Director of Community Affairs

Purpose and Scope Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Community Affairs provides strategic leadership and oversight of the City's community-facing functions, including Community Relations, Midland Community Television (MCTV), the Center City Authority (CCA), Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Midland Downtown Business Association (MDBA). This position plays a key role in shaping public communication, managing civic processes, supporting economic vitality in City of Midland, especially the downtown and center city districts, and ensuring transparent, effective engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Supervision Responsibilities Reporting to this position are the Communications Coordinator, Downtown Events Coordinator, and the Manager of MCTV. Examples of Job Functions Provide strategic direction for all City communications, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely messaging across platforms. Develop and implement inclusive public engagement strategies to ensure meaningful participation from residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders. Supervise communications staff responsible for social media, website content, press releases, media relations, digital engagement, and Midland Government Television (MGTV) programming. Collaborate with City leadership and departments to develop communication strategies for community initiatives and emerging issues. Serve as Public Information Officer, including coordination of emergency communications. Work with City leadership and elected officials on communications as necessary, specifically on matters of high visibility and importance, such as the State of the City Address. Oversee community engagement processes, including public information campaigns and event coordination. Manage communications-related budgets and resources. Ensure engagement practices reflect principles of transparency, accessibility, and equitable participation. In coordination with the Manager of Midland Community Television (MCTV), provide high-level oversight of operations, budgeting, programming, and strategic direction. Become involved as needed to support complex or escalated issues, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality government programming and the advancement of video, streaming, and digital communication initiatives. Economic Development Provide executive leadership for the DDA and CCA, supporting their missions to enhance economic vitality, business retention, and district development. Provide leadership to the Midland Downtown Business Association (MDBA). Guide initiatives that improve the physical environment, business climate, and overall experience within downtown and center city districts. Oversee administration of façade improvement programs, business incubator programs, and related economic development initiatives. Manage multiple boards and committees, including meeting coordination, agenda development, reporting, and follow-up. Develop and manage budgets for the DDA, CCA, and MDBA. Analyze economic trends and recommend strategies to respond to local and regional market conditions. Maintain strong relationships with business owners, property owners, developers, and community stakeholders. Represent the City and its districts at local, regional, and state forums. Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, governmental agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners. Collaborate with planning, engineering, public services, and private partners on streetscape improvements, redevelopment initiatives, infrastructure investments, placemaking projects, and district enhancement efforts. Director/Department Head Serve as a member of the City's leadership team, participating in organizational planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives. Advise the City Manager on community relations, stakeholder concerns, economic development trends, public sentiment, and strategic opportunities affecting municipal operations. Develop and implement long-range strategic plans, goals, performance measures, and annual work programs for assigned divisions, authorities, and affiliated organizations. Lead a diverse team and provide managerial support, performance management, and employee development. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Community Planning, Public Administration, or a related field. Five to seven years of experience working in or with local government, specifically municipal government. Any combination of education, training, and experience determined by the City to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to those attained through requirements #1 and #2 above. Demonstrated experience in public or community relations. Proficiency in digital communication platforms, social media strategy, website content management, video production, livestreaming, and public-access/government television operations. Strong understanding of strategic communications principles, public relations, crisis communications, media relations, and brand management. Knowledge of downtown development, business retention, entrepreneurship support, placemaking, redevelopment, and economic incentive programs. Knowledge of emergency communication protocols and Public Information Officer responsibilities. Experience with visual content creation and familiarity with video production and on-camera communication. Excellent communication and public relations skills, tact, and the ability to interact effectively with the public, news media, developers, business owners, property owners, and other employees. Strong conflict resolution skills and techniques, the ability to work effectively as a team member, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Additional experience in economic development, grant writing/administration, pursuit of philanthropic support, and public relations is desirable. Ability to anticipate emerging trends, opportunities, risks, and community needs, and proactively develop strategic responses. Skilled in public engagement processes, representing the City in public forums, and effectively addressing diverse audiences. Ability to develop a departmental budget, with knowledge of financial management, governmental accounting, and resource allocation principles. Knowledge of governance practices related to boards, commissions, authorities, committees, and public meeting requirements. Skilled in personnel management, employee supervision, coaching, and performance management.