Communications Manager

Salary: $59,926.40 – $77,667.20 annually, Expected Starting Salary $60,000 (Global Range 25; $28.33–$37.30/hr) | Full-Time, Exempt

Are you a creative, versatile storyteller who wants to build a city's communications program from the ground up? If so, apply to become the City of Festus's Communications Manager!

Reporting to the City Administrator, the Communications Manager leads public information, marketing, and community engagement for this growing, full-service city in the St. Louis metro region. This is a newly created, hands‑on role with no direct reports, but featuring wide latitude, direct visibility to City leadership, and the chance to define how Festus tells its story.

• Serve as the City’s primary media contact: write news releases and fact sheets, coordinate news conferences, and respond to media inquiries
• Advise the City Administrator and department directors on public information, media relations, and communication strategy
• Lead strategy and content for the City’s website and social media platforms, using analytics to measure and improve results
• Serve as managing editor of the City newsletter and other citywide publications
• Create original graphics, marketing materials, photography, and video for print and digital channels, and ensure consistent use of the City’s brand
• Partner with the Tourism and Recreation Director and other departments to promote City programs, festivals, and special events
• Design civic engagement strategies and coordinate periodic employee and citizen surveys; track engagement and report results to the City Administrator
• Coordinate a citizen response program, working with departments to track and resolve service requests and inquiries
• Provide crisis and emergency communications during severe weather, outages, and other urgent incidents, in coordination with emergency management officials
• Operate Council Chambers audio and video equipment and livestream Council and other public meetings
• Prepare and monitor the communications budget, manage third‑party communications contracts, and ensure content meets AP Style and ADA digital accessibility standards

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field; 2–4 years of progressively responsible communications, public relations, or marketing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Master’s degree with 5+ years of progressive communications experience, including media relations, digital and social media, and budgeting; public‑sector or municipal communications experience; professional communications certification (e.g., APR); proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar design and video tools.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Missouri LAGERS pension, 401(a), and optional deferred compensation

Primarily office‑based, Monday–Friday; regular evening and weekend work for Council meetings and City events, and availability for urgent or emergency communications. Offer contingent on background check and drug screening.

The City of Festus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.