Communications Manager

Under the general supervision of the City Manager and/or designee this position is responsible for hands‑on development and management of all mediums of communication with the community, including, but not limited to, traditional and digital communications, marketing, public affairs, media relations and multi‑media productions. And is also responsible for overall City branding and publications, disseminating appropriate information to residents, and advancing a positive image of the city.

Performs other work as assigned.

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any and/or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily:

• Works closely with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Department Directors, and other City officials to develop and convey messages to the media, citizens, businesses, and visitors.
• Acts as the City’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO) and serves as the city’s official spokesperson with all media outlets. This requires 24/7 availability, for emergencies and/or critical incidents.
• Conducts and/or facilitates media interviews and conferences by preparing talking points or presentations/scripts for elected officials and City staff for general information, news interviews and/or conferences.
• Determine appropriate person(s)/department to act as subject matter expert for interviews.
• Prepares and distributes press releases to media outlets.
• Performs duties and carries out special communication projects for the City Manager as directed such as the mayor’s annual “State of the City” address.
• Leads, develops, and executes communication strategies through collaboration with city’s leadership team; works collaboratively with departments to develop and implement communications strategies and messaging consistent with the city’s goals and objectives.
• Coordinates and oversees all marketing functions within the city.
• Exercises high degree of accuracy, correctness, and discretion when preparing communications materials including managing essential and highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Monitors news and social media for City-related communications and discussions; relay community feedback and engagement trends to the leadership team.
• Coordinates video promotions and broadcasts utilizing Channel 5, the City of Fairborn’s You Tube Channel, and other media/social media platforms.
• Prepares and edits City publications such as social media material, newsletters, calendars, and articles.
• Recommends and maintains the design and content of the City's website content consistent with the City's communications strategies with the primary goal of ensuring information is accurate, current, and relevant.
• Assist staff to develop and maintain department-level pages.
• Produces and/or oversees the design, layout, content, and printing of various brochures, flyers and other special reports and promotional items. Coordinates ad design with newspapers, magazines, etc. with agencies such as Fairborn Daily Herald, Dayton Business Journal, Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce Directory, etc. Create and maintain a library of branded Fairborn photos and imagery.
• Attends and participates in meetings as required, such as, but not limited to, City Council Meetings, City Council Work Sessions, and City Council Retreats, etc. City Manager will advise as to what meetings to attend.
• Serves as City liaison for various community groups.
• Supervises the responsibilities of the Assistant Communications Manager.
• Supervises and mentors’ communications intern(s), assigning tasks, providing feedback, and ensuring their…