Communications and Marketing Manager

At the City of Lake Forest
, we’re more than just a local government — we’re a team of people passionate about making the community a better place to live, work, and thrive. Every day, we connect with residents, businesses, and visitors to share important information, celebrate our city’s successes, and promote civic pride.

• Leads and manages all functions, policies, and projects within the Communications and Marketing Division.
• Develops and delivers dynamic communication and marketing strategies that promote the City’s mission, services, and achievements.
• Creates and oversees engaging content across multiple platforms—web, print, video, and social media—to share the City’s story and connect with the community.
• Builds strong relationships with media, community groups, and partner organizations to ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication.
• Champions public engagement
  , ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to learn about and participate in City initiatives.
• Collaborates across departments to align messaging, support major projects, and promote key programs and events.
• Advises senior leadership on communication strategy, public perception, and proactive messaging.
• Promotes innovation and creativity in how the City communicates—using data, storytelling, and design to make information more accessible and impactful.

• Help shape and serve how the community connects through meaningful public engagement and transparent communication.
• Join a collaborative, supportive, and forward‑thinking team environment.
• Receive competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and professional development opportunities.

• Submit your application online along with a résumé and any supporting materials by December 2, 2025
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• Attach a writing sample of published work, such as a staff report, internal memorandum, or a press release.
• First round interviews expected to take place week of December 8, 2025
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• Assumes management responsibility for the services and activities of the Communications and Marketing Division including City communications, marketing, and community relations programs.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and program areas; researches, recommends, implements, and administers policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; coordinates, structures, and oversees ongoing or special programs as assigned.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participates in the selection of Communications and Marketing personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Communications and Marketing budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Participates in the planning and execution of the City’s emergency management plans and related communications; serves as a key public point of contact for media and intergovernmental agencies during emergencies that impact the City.
• Coordinates with City staff, departments and divisions to communicate and market City programs and services; recommends communications and marketing strategies to City departments and divisions.
• Oversees and directs in the production and distribution of various internal and external publications including newsletters, brochures, flyers, guides, and calendars; identifies topics, writes, edits, and designs publications; oversees topics, scripts, and production of City videos.
• Administers and maintains the City’s…