Athens-Clarke County Unified Government / Athens, Georgia
Anticipated Hiring Range: $102,899 - $131,191
Closing Date: September 28, 2026
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to provide strategic leadership for Athens-Clarke County Unified Government’s (ACCGov) communications, community engagement, and public information functions. The Director develops and implements communication and community engagement strategies that promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and improve public understanding of local government services, projects, decisions, and priorities.
Serving as ACCGov's senior advisor on communications and community engagement, the Director partners with the Manager's Office and departments across ACCGov to ensure communication and public engagement are considered early in planning, support informed decision-making, and strengthen transparency and public trust. As the leader of a small department, the Director serves as both a strategic leader and working manager, providing executive guidance while remaining actively engaged in the department's most complex and high-impact work.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field with seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public engagement, public information, media relations, public affairs, or a related field required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
- Five years of supervisory experience required.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading communications or community engagement in a local government setting.
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Essential Duties, Responsibilities
- Department Leadership & Administration: Plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the operations, personnel, budget, programs, and initiatives of the Communications and Community Engagement Department to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with ACCGov's goals and priorities.
- Executive Advising: Serves as ACCGov’s senior advisor on communications and community engagement, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership regarding organizational messaging, public engagement, emerging issues, and complex communications challenges.
- Communications & Public Information: Oversees implementation of ACCGov's comprehensive communications strategy across digital communications, social media, website content, publications, multimedia, presentations, executive communications, and other public information channels.
- Organizational Support: Advises departments on communication planning, messaging, public engagement, branding, and communication best practices.
- Emergency & Crisis Communications: Leads ACCGov's emergency communications function in coordination with and direction from the Emergency Management Manager, public safety agencies, executive leadership, and departmental representatives.
Apply
For more information and to apply online, visit our website here.