Director of Communications & Intergovernmental Relations

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direction and leadership to the Communications Department and staff. The incumbent is responsible for representing the organization to the public and discovering public opportunities to highlight executive strategies; maintains public and employee awareness of organization issues by planning and directing external and internal information and programs; supports goals and objectives; responds to media inquiries and maintains relationships with media representatives and avoids legal challenges.

All activities must support the Housing Authority of New Orleans (“HANO”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the Authority’s communications and intergovernmental relations functions and performance.
• Oversees all staff functions and operations of the Communications Department.
• Ensures consistent application of communications policies, programs, and services to ensure they conform to the Authority’s strategic goals and objectives; establishes program goals and objectives; ensures that all programs and policies are administered in a fair and equitable manner.

• Determines public relations objectives by collecting relevant information; identifies short-term and long-range issues; identifies and evaluates options; recommends a course of action.
• Supports organization goals and objectives by developing external and internal information programs.
• Accomplishes public relations objectives by designing and conducting special projects; establishes relationships with lobbyists, consultants, and others in a position of influence; creates and develops annual reports, newsletters, briefing books, pamphlets, and other creative tools.
• Identifies external and internal information needs by researching trends; conducts and purchases surveys and analyzes responses.
• Communicates policies, programs, and positions to the Authority by studying legislation and regulations; consults with executives on potential impact; develops background papers; reviews positions with senior management and the board of directors.
• Develops a media plan that supports the overall marketing strategy.
• Represents the organization at business events; provides opinions, offers support, and gathers information.
• Influences public opinion to the Authority’s point of view by educating the public on issues; builds coalitions with, and influences, companies, and trade associations; maintains public focus on executive strategies.
• Keeps senior management and the board of commissioners informed by reporting on government affairs developments and results of the Authority’s actions.
• Maintains financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; schedules expenditures; analyzes variances; initiates corrective actions.
• Improves quality results by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes; implements changes.
• Avoids legal challenges by understanding current and proposed legislation; enforces regulations; recommends new procedures; complies with legal requirements.
• Participates in educational opportunities; reads professional publications; maintains personal networks; participates in professional organizations.
• Enhances public relations and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; explores opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Maintains awareness of legislative activities affecting Authority operations and the potential impact on operations; tracks State and Federal legislation; anticipates legislative issues and identifies opportunities to develop and influence policy to best meet the needs of the Authority.
• Researches legislative and government affairs issues and prepares information for the Executive Director, staff, and committees.
• Reviews legislation, schedules meetings, prepares briefings and memos on selected legislation impacting the Authority.
• Performs and assumes other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public agency communications, and/or public relations programs, with three (3) years of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be considered.

This position may require regular driving for business purposes. The incumbent is required to possess a valid driver’s license and must have the ability to be insurable under the HANO’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

EEO POLICY STATEMENT

HANO provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, or gender expression results of genetic testing, or service in the military or veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.