CMO- CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

Chief Communications Strategist

Set the strategy. Shape the story. Strengthen the community. Shape the voice of a city that leads with credibility and purpose. The City of Coppell is seeking a Chief Communications Strategist to guide our comprehensive communications, branding, and public engagement efforts. This executive role drives how Coppell tells our storybuilding trust, inspiring connection, and ensuring every message reflects the values and vision that define our community. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you'll lead a hybrid team of communications professionals, champion creativity and collaboration, and craft strategies that strengthen public trust, elevate our brand, and connect residents, partners, and employees through meaningful storytelling. The ideal candidate is an adaptable, forward-thinking leader who communicates clearly, translates priorities into action, and leads with confidence across divisions. They balance strategic vision with hands-on leadership and bring technical strength in areas like graphic design, media relations, or digital engagement. In this role, success means unlocking your team's potential, aligning efforts to close gaps, and shaping a modern communications approach that embraces video-driven, audience-engaged storytellingreflecting the future direction of Coppell's communications strategy.

Regular attendance is essential. This position typically works an 8 : 30 am 5 : 30 pm schedule, Monday Friday, with additional evening, weekend, and holiday hours as required for meetings, trainings, programs, events, rentals, and on-site coverage.

This opportunity is exempt and on Pay Grade #28. The full Pay Grade Range is shown for growth and development opportunities within the grade. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Hiring Range : $122,062 - $135,095.

For application support, or to check the status of your application, contact the Employee Experience Team by calling 972-304-3699.

Eligibility

Education : Bachelor's degree required in Marketing, Public Relations, Mass Communications, Broadcast and Film Communications, Journalism, or a closely related field.

Master's degree preferred in one of the above disciplines or a similar area emphasizing strategic communications, organizational leadership, or public administration.

Experience : 5+ years of progressive professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives for diverse audiences.

Proven experience providing leadership, management, and guidance to teams within a public or private organization, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Experience managing staff in areas such as media relations, public relations, community engagement, social media, website content, multi-media programming, and integrated communication campaigns.

Demonstrated ability to serve as a communications strategist and advisor to executive leadership, aligning messaging and initiatives with organizational goals and community values.

Supervisory experience highly preferred, with a track record of developing talent, building cohesive teams, and cultivating a culture of credibility and service.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities : Extensive knowledge of public information, media relations, marketing, and advertising strategies to effectively advance the City's mission and reputation.

Comprehensive understanding of English language usage, grammar, and punctuation to ensure clarity and professionalism in all communications.

Familiarity with budget development and management principles to support strategic planning and operational accountability.

Understanding of cultural diversity protocols and community engagement principles, demonstrating sensitivity and inclusivity when interacting with residents and stakeholders.

Knowledge of digital communication platforms, design principles, and production processes for high-quality collateral materials, web content, and campaign assets.

Awareness of emerging communication trends, technologies, and tools that enhance innovation and storytelling.

Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences and platforms.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering collaboration, trust, and partnership across departments, with elected officials, and within the community.

Advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills to develop and evaluate communication initiatives that align with organizational goals and core values.

Effective leadership, coaching, and delegation skills to develop and empower staff while ensuring accountability and performance excellence.

Skilled in project management, time management, and prioritization to balance competing deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, content management systems, emergency notification systems, and creative software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, graphic design and video editing programs).

Ability to represent the City with professionalism, integrity, and credibility while maintaining composure under pressure and during crisis communications.

Ability to create, implement, and adapt communication strategies that resonate with residents, partners, and stakeholders and reflect the City's values and vision.

Ability to think innovatively and anticipate communication challenges and opportunities in an evolving media landscape.

Ability to work independently while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing strategic counsel and clear, informed recommendations.

Ability to lead with humility, emotional intelligence, and a service-oriented mindset that strengthens organizational culture and community connection.

This is Coppell

The City Manager and staff act as liaisons among City Council, citizens, and City organizations, and represent the City Council and City staff at various meetings and conferences.

Encourages and motivates the direction of all departments, offices, and agencies of the City.

Prepares and submits the annual budget and capital improvement programs to City Council.

Administers the annual budget adopted by the City Council.

City Manager's Office is comprised of the following divisions : City Council, City Administration, City Secretaries Office, Community Information Office.

The City of Coppell is committed to being a Family Community for a Lifetime. In order to achieve this goal, transparency, collaboration, citizen engagement, and the continual two-way flow of information is imperative.

The Community Information Office is responsible for the preparation and distribution of factual media and general public information regarding City services, programs, and accomplishments, and the coordination of media coverage. The office strives to present a favorable public image for the City of Coppell by actively engaging with residents, developing meaningful relationships with the community, and creating cohesive, compelling messaging that underscores the values, vision, and competencies of the organization, and the services offered to residents. The office strives to effectively articulate the vision and story of the City of Coppell through multiple channels and is responsible for leading and developing communications strategies for all website, social media, and public relations messages, activities, and services to consistently communicate the City of Coppell story. The office ensures that the City of Coppell is viewed as a primary source, disseminator, and channel of information internally and externally and works with departments to develop collateral, messaging, and strategies to reach organizational goals.

Community Information is comprised of these positions : Chief Communications Strategist, Communications Strategist, Communications Specialist.

In accordance with the ADA, the City of Coppell is willing to consider any reasonable accommodation.

To learn more about the City of Coppell Benefits, CLICK HERE.

Do you have at least five (5) years of progressive professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, including demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives for diverse audiences?

Do you have proven experience providing leadership, management, and guidance to a team within a public or private organization, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation?

Do you have experience managing staff in one or more of the following areas : media relations, public relations, community engagement, social media, website content, multimedia programming, or integrated communication campaigns?

Have you served as a communications strategist and advisor to executive leadership, aligning messaging and initiatives with organizational goals and community values?

Do you have supervisory experience with a track record of developing talent, building cohesive teams, and cultivating a culture of credibility and service?

Portfolio Submission (Required) : Submit up to 10 samples that you personally drafted, developed, or completed. Include examples of formal writing (e.g., agendas, presentations) and technical work (e.g., graphic design, video, or photography). Provide a link to your online portfolio or shared folder below. Links to social media pages will not be accepted. You may also upload your materials under the Attachments section of your application.