Communications Strategist

Description

Position Summary

Formed in 2013, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown business core, marketing and event production to Greater Downtown, and manages the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. DPI and its affiliate organizations are committed to making Phoenix a vibrant urban destination and one of the nation’s great cities.

The mission of DPI is to facilitate collaboration, cultivate connections, and contribute to both the growth and vitality of our community. To generate progress on issues, work toward sustainable growth and build a stronger, more inclusive city core generates positive perceptions, memorable experiences and a sense of pride in Downtown. 

The Communications Strategist serves as the organization’s lead strategic communicator, responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications strategies that advance organizational goals, strengthen employee and stakeholder engagement, and elevate the awareness of Downtown Phoenix Inc. services.

This position operates at both the strategic and tactical levels, translating complex issues into clear messaging, maintaining a consistent organizational voice, and ensuring information reaches the right audiences at the right time. The role works closely with executive leadership, department directors, community partners, and stakeholders to support organizational priorities, public awareness, and community engagement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•  Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies.
•  Draft executive communications, speeches, talking points, newsletters, and press releases.
•  Support leadership by communicating organizational initiatives, policy updates, and key announcements.
•  Attend stakeholder, committee, and board meetings and communicate relevant information across departments.
•  In partnership with the Marketing department, create messaging and campaigns that engage businesses, residents, investors, and community stakeholders.
•  Collaborate with Marketing and other relevant departments to promote programs, services, and events.
•  Ensure consistent branding and organizational voice across all channels from corporate communications to social media.
•  Manage flow of information within the organization and between DPI and external stakeholders
•  Develop crisis communication strategies and support executive leadership during critical situations.
•  Measure communication effectiveness locally, regionally and nationally and recommend improvements.

Requirements

Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.
•  5-7 years of communications, public relations and/or marketing.
•  Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
•  Experience developing strategic communication plans.
•  Strong project management and organizational skills.
•  Preferred: Experience in nonprofit, economic development, government, media relations, or executive communications.

Core Competencies

•  Strategic communications planning
•  Executive communications
•  Internal and external communications
•  Copy editing
•  Public and media relations
•  Content development and storytelling
•  Brand management
•  Crisis communications
•  Cross-functional collaboration
•  Project management

Success Factors

•  Build awareness, trust, and alignment across departments.
•  Increase awareness of organizational programs and services both internally and externally.
•  Strengthen stakeholder engagement in programs, meetings, and services.
•  Maintain a consistent organizational voice across all platforms and communications.
•  Support leadership through strategic messaging.
•  Advance organizational goals through effective communication.