Communications Manager

This position is eligible for a partial telework schedule, with a combination of on-site and remote work based on job responsibilities and operational needs.

The Communications Manager advances Prince William Water’s mission, vision and strategic goals through strategic messaging and content management for the Division’s internal and external communication programs. This position reports to the Director of Communications & Community Engagement and manages messaging campaigns, media relations, emergency communications, digital and print communications, and customer and employee information initiatives. The Communications Manager’s role is to strengthen the organization’s communication with internal and external stakeholders, support operational priorities and advance the Annual Strategic Communications Plan.

Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• The role is responsible for directing the work of a team of communications professionals, ensuring that all communications are timely, accurate, accessible and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provides seasoned judgment in crisis and emergency communications, serves as a primary media spokesperson, and oversees the development of communication strategies across the web, social media, newsletters, multimedia content, industry media and other platforms.
• Supports the Director and provides day-to-day leadership for the Communications Services Department, ensuring effective planning, prioritization and execution of communications initiatives, including those in the Strategic Communications Plan.
• Advises the Director on communication opportunities, risks and messaging strategies.
• Develops, implements and evaluates comprehensive communication strategies that support organizational goals, major projects, and customer and employee engagement needs.
• Oversees public-facing messaging prepared by the Communications Services Department across multiple channels including the website, social media, media releases, articles, and customer and employee newsletters to ensure accuracy, clarity and alignment with organizational brand, policy and values.
• Serves as the division’s media relations lead, including message development, responding to media inquiries, conducting or coordinating interviews, seeking earned media placement and preparing organizational spokespeople.
• Researches, develops content and provides editorial direction and oversight for written, digital, audio and video messaging. Ensures high-quality writing, consistent messaging and adherence to AP Style.
• Coordinates emergency communications planning and response, including developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, message development, serving in the 24/7 Public Information Officer (PIO) rotation and training other team members in the PIO on-call role.
• Oversees the organization’s website governance, content strategy and social media presence to ensure accuracy, accessibility and effective engagement.
• Leads data-driven assessment of communications performance and recommends enhancements based on quantitative and qualitative insights.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with local, regional and industry media outlets on behalf of Prince William Water.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders, supporting requests for public and internal messaging campaigns.
• Manages contracts, task orders and vendor relationships related to the Communications Services Department to support the organization’s communication initiatives.
• Supervises assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance management, coaching and workflow planning. Monitors work progress to evaluate effectiveness and adjust workload, operations and processes as needed.
• Works closely with the Community Engagement Manager to ensure alignment of messaging tone, clarity and timing between the Communications Services Department and Community Outreach Department.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures compliance with legal, regulatory and organizational standards.
• Operates a Prince William Water vehicle, as required.
• May be deemed essential at any time.
• Performs other…