Communications Manager

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Provides a variety of complex professional and administrative duties related to providing information, promoting media relations, employee communications, and community relations to enhance public awareness of city operations, services and programs, and public safety. Acts as city spokesperson. Manages City website and social media accounts.

Works under general supervision of the Director of Legislative and Strategic Services.

Provides direct supervision to the Digital Communications Specialist and Digital Communications Assistant. Additionally, may provide functional supervision to assigned administrative support staff on a project‑by‑project basis.

Serves as the recognized Communications Manager for the City in disseminating information to various agencies and the public in a factual, truthful, and cogent manner; develops programs to promote and publicize City programs, services and opportunities to members of the community, media, various governmental entities and visitors. Develops communication tools in electronic, print or multi‑media format; handles multiple facets of public and media relations and marketing using print, broadcast, digital and internet/email applications;

writes and produces press releases, public service announcements, white papers, brochures and other educational and promotional materials; coordinates press conferences and media events; determines appropriate use of promotional/educational materials, services programs and outlets; prepares City newsletter, including content development and management, layout, editing and publication; works to develop positive media exposure among local and national media outlets. Writes letters and position statements, as requested by the Mayor and Administration;

serves as liaison with various external groups such as the media, business interests, community groups, and the general public; meets with various groups and individuals to answer questions and media requests and to resolve concerns. Provides media training for the Mayor and members of the City Council; assists in the strategy, organization, coordination and implementation of inter‑departmental City activities and programs;

initiates public outreach, including surveys, and other programmatic communications devices, to improve the effectiveness of the City's constituent and visitor interface as well as collect information for City initiated programs and policies; works with other City departments to ensure consistency and uniformity in branding/messaging. Processes and follows up on inquiries, complaints and comments from the public that are not easily solved/resolved by contact with a single City person/entity;

pursues resolution within the established guidelines of the city; may make recommendations effecting change in programs, policy and established practice.

Operates personal computer, manages applications via mobile device, various software applications, i.e.;
Microsoft 365, Office applications, photo and video editing, Adobe Acrobat. Knowledge of and skill in basic graphic design;
Word Press or other website platforms, SEO, social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and Instagram. Maintains the city website, including content development and management, layout, editing and publication providing real‑time access to community resources, programs, services and recreational opportunities.

Performs other duties as required.

• Graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Five (5) years progressively responsible public relations related positions.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable Knowledge of purposes, principles and practices of municipal government; advertising, marketing and public relations practices; public or platform speaking, proposal development, creative writing and presentation skills; organizational politics; negotiation techniques; strong interpersonal group…