SUMMARY The Director of Communications leads internal and external communications strategy of the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC), ensuring clear, consistent, and effective messaging across all audiences. This role oversees media relations, public information, executive communications, digital and social media, brand management, community engagement, and crisis communications. Working closely with executive leadership and internal departments, the Director develops communication plans, manages staff and vendors as required, serves as a primary spokesperson, and evaluates communication outcomes to strengthen public trust and advance organizational priorities.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Administration, or a related field required.
- Master's degree in communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional training, and experience may be considered.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS- Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field.
- At least three years of supervisory or management experience leading communications staff, consultants, vendors, or cross-functional teams preferred.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing organization-wide communication strategies, executive messaging, media relations, digital communications, community engagement, and crisis communications.
- Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and managing relationships with news media, government officials, community partners, residents, and other stakeholders.
- Experience in a public agency, housing organization, nonprofit organization, government entity, or other highly regulated environment preferred.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver's license
- Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
- Must be bondable and insurable under the agency's insurance policy
KNOWLEDGE - Knowledge of strategic communications planning, public relations, media relations, marketing, branding, and community engagement principles and practices.
- Knowledge of organization's structure, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of internal and external communication methods, including executive communications, news releases, speeches, newsletters, websites, social media, and multimedia content.
- Knowledge of crisis and emergency communications, reputation management, issues management, and rapid-response protocols.
- Knowledge of journalistic standards, message development, audience analysis, storytelling, editing, proofreading, and professional writing practices.
- Knowledge of media operations and techniques for developing and maintaining effective relationships with reporters, editors, community partners, government officials, residents, and other stakeholders.
- Knowledge of digital communication platforms, content management systems, social media management tools, email communication systems, and communication analytics.
- Knowledge of applicable public-records, accessibility, copyright, privacy, records-retention, and communications-related legal and ethical requirements.
- Knowledge of public-sector, affordable housing, community development, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, policies, and terminology.
- Knowledge of organizational structure, policies, procedures, strategic priorities, and approval processes.
- Knowledge of project management, budget administration, vendor management, and communications performance measurement.
- Knowledge of supervisory principles, staff development, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of urban development and housing management.
- Knowledge of HUD and DHC programs, requirements and policies & procedures.
- Knowledge in the motivation of employees is required, along with advanced senior leadership skills are needed.
REQUIRED ABILITIES- Act independently
- Analyze situations
- Empathize
- Identify problems
- Initiate
- Motivate
- Multi-task
- Problem solve
- Think creatively
- Attend to details
- Communicate verbally
- Communicate in writing
- Concentrate
- Manage pressure
- Organize
REQUIRED SKILLS- Develop and implement integrated strategic communication plans aligned with organizational priorities.
- Write, edit, and proofread clear, accurate, audience-appropriate content for news releases, speeches, executive messages, reports, newsletters, websites, social media, and multimedia platforms.
- Serve as an effective organizational spokesperson and communicate confidently in media interviews, public meetings, presentations, and crisis situations.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with reporters, residents, government officials, community partners, employees, and other stakeholders.
- Develop timely crisis and emergency communications, key messages, talking points, frequently asked questions, and rapid-response materials.
- Translate complex housing policies, programs, regulations, and organizational information into clear, accessible language.
- Manage digital content, social media channels, content calendars, email campaigns, and website updates.
- Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, digital engagement, and communication performance; analyze results and recommend improvements.
- Apply sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and diplomacy when responding to sensitive inquiries, complaints, or controversial issues.
- Ensure communications comply with public-records, accessibility, copyright, privacy, records-retention, and ethical requirements.
- Plan and manage multiple communication projects, priorities, deadlines, budgets, vendors, and approval processes.
- Use communication, content-management, social-media, email-marketing, analytics, presentation, and Microsoft Office applications effectively.
- Maintain brand standards and ensure consistent messaging, tone, visual identity, and editorial quality across communication channels.
- Provide high-quality service and communicate effectively with stakeholders from varied professional and community backgrounds.
- Exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and identifying potential problems within scope of responsibility
- Maintain confidentiality
- Negotiate effectively
- Understand the business implications of decisions
- Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements
- Manage time effectively to ensure all work is completed timely and effectively
- Master position-specific software
- Operate a computer to perform various work-related tasks
- Provide high level, quality customer service both internally and externally
- Read and understand department specific documentation, and policies and procedures
- Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints
- Understand and apply HUD organizational rules, instructions, policies and procedures appropriately
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES- Currently, there are no direct supervision responsibilities; however, the position may assume supervisory oversight of additional communications personnel as organizational needs evolve.
REPORTS TO- Executive Director
- Indirect report to the Deputy Executive Director/COO
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS [The fundamental job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would fundamentally change the job]
- Design and execute comprehensive, multi-channel communications and marketing strategies that align with the agency's mission, strategic goals, and public service mandate.
- Elevate and protect the agency's public image, ensuring consistent messaging, branding, and tone across all public-facing platforms, campaigns, and publications.
- Lead public awareness campaigns for major agency programs, such as affordable housing developments, section 8/voucher updates, revitalization projects, and resident service programs and projects.
- Act as the chief media liaison and spokesperson for the agency, handling media inquiries, preparing press statements, and organizing press conferences.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national journalists, pitching positive community impact stories, policy updates, and resident success stories.
- Prepare executive leadership, board members, and key staff for media interviews, public hearings, and community town halls with tailored talking points and briefing materials.
- Build and maintain trust-based relationships with key stakeholders, including residents, neighborhood associations, local businesses, non-profits, and elected officials.
- Plan, promote, and facilitate public hearings, community workshops, and town hall meetings to gather public input on housing projects and policy changes.
- Ensure all public communications are equitable, accessible, and compliant with ADA standards, as well as translated into primary languages spoken within the community to reach diverse populations effectively.
- Develop and maintain the agency's crisis communications protocol for emergency situations (e.g., severe weather impacting properties, facility incidents, public health emergencies, or public controversies).
- Coordinate immediate, transparent, and accurate messaging during critical incidents to ensure public safety, reassure residents, and maintain institutional credibility.
- Oversee the agency's website, newsletters, and official social media channels, driving audience engagement and ensuring digital content remains current and user-friendly.
- Facilitate clear, consistent communication channels between agency leadership and staff to boost internal morale, clarify policy rollouts, and support cross-departmental alignment.
- Supervise the creation of annual reports, brochures, infographics, video content, and press kits.
- Lead, coach, and coordinate communications staff, consultants, vendors, and cross-functional team as required
- Ensure all public messaging aligns with local, state, and federal regulations governing public housing agencies (e.g., HUD guidelines, state open records laws, and FOIA/public information requests).
- Collaborate closely with the Board of Commissioners and executive leadership to communicate policy decisions transparently to the public and oversight bodies.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS [These are job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would NOT fundamentally change the job]
- Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team identified in the Safety & Emergency Response Manual
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS- Sitting
- Visual acuity
- Standing
- Walking
- Ascending/descending stairs
EQUIPMENT- Phones
- Computer/laptop
- Monitors
- Communication systems
- Copiers/printers
- Scanners
- Projectors
WORK ENVIRONMENT- Indoor environments
- Exposed to continual, multiple distractions
- Outdoor environments
SOFTWARE- Word processing software
- Internet software
- Spreadsheet software
- Purchasing systems
- Payroll/human resources
DisclaimerThis job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.
