SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. Plans, directs, coordinates and monitors the activities and the day-to-day operations of the Marketing & Communications Department. Oversees the public and media relations, implementation of marketing initiatives for Port Laredo, and actively promoting the City's goals and objectives of economic development commerce and marketing.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. * Plans, develops, and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area within the operations of the Department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels and allocates resources accordingly, consults with the City Manager on any new implementations and/or developments within the Department's operation. * Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Department with special emphasis on economic commerce through utilization of media relations, social media, and community relations ensuring a unified City message. * Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors administrative and support systems as well as internal reporting methods; identifies opportunities for improvement and directs the implementation of changes. * Supports, explains, and justifies the Department programs, policies, and activities. * Plans, directs, and coordinates, through staff, the Department work plan; meets with executive level staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and areas of responsibility. * Final approval of departmental hires, terminations, disciplinary actions, and employee performance evaluations.  * Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary. * Coordinates Departmental activities with those of other City Departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides assistance to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and City Council (as needed); prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary communications; responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources. * Responds to media inquiries as they relate to the community and ensures responsive, appropriate service delivery when conferring with civic, professional, and other community groups. * Plans and implements engaging advertisement to communicate with local residents and other outside markets in the United States to educate them regarding City services and programs in order to market U.S. business commerce. * Develops projects and activities to promote good public relations and maintains a positive image of the City. * Attends and represents the City at committee meetings and public gatherings to obtain information for and provide information concerning the City. * Prepares or edits scripts to be presented over communications media; outlines of material for newspaper photographers; and displays advertising for newspapers, posters, handbills, exhibits or programs. * Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use. * Performs other duties as assigned. COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Knowledge , Skills and Abilities: * Knowledge of communication and marketing principles, methods, and techniques. * Knowledge of public relations principles, methods, and techniques. * Knowledge of economic commerce marketing. * Skills in utilizing proper graphic design software. * Skills in written and verbal communication with the ability of crafting engaging social media content * Skills to interpret social media data and adjust strategies accordingly. * Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others. * Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills. * Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor. * Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff. * Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work. * Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record. * Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo. * Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language. * Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures. * Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position. WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Effort Requirements  Position will have the following exposures * Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. * Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects. Work Environment Locations  Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments    Never * Street environment (near moving traffic) * Construction site * Warehouse environment Seldom * Confined space Frequently * Outdoor environment Often * Office or similar indoor environment * Vehicles Exposures  Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements Never * Communicable diseases * Fumes or airborne particles * Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances Seldom * Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) Sometimes * Individuals who are hostile or irate * Individuals with known violent backgrounds * Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) * Moving mechanical parts * Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) Travel  Position will require the employee to travel Often * Local travel * Regional travel * National travel * International travel Required Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or related field. A Master's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or related field is desirable. * At least seven (7) increasingly responsible professional experience in Marketing/Advertising, Public Relations and Communications, which includes three (3) years of administrative responsibility and supervising personnel at an upper management level. * Council of Higher Education (C.H.E.A)Required Licenses or Certifications * Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment. As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.   Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.   Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.   A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.   City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.