Communications Manager

Are you a strategic communicator who can turn complex information into clear, compelling messages and help strengthen connections between local government and the community?

City of Sammamish is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead a dynamic and comprehensive communications program supporting the goals and priorities of the City and City Council. This highly visible role is an opportunity to shape how the City communicates, engages, and connects with the community.

• Impactful Work: Connect our community through clear, meaningful communication.
• Professional Growth:Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
• Collaborative Environment
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  Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
• Work-Life Balance:Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.

This position performscomplex professional activities developing and delivering a robust communication plan to support the goals and programs of the City and the City Council. Work involves overseeing all tools and platforms enlisted for the city’s communication program and used for public and media relations, internal and external communication, digital relations and marketing, community education, outreach, and engagement, and crisis communications.

Ensures important and topical information regarding public safety and other critical news is communicated to the public quickly and efficiently. This position exercises considerable discretion, resolves press queries, and ensures the City’s public information program is aligned with the City’s overall mission and values.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.

Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversees, coordinates, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors to accomplish operational plans and results.
• Plans and oversees business area workflow and time utilization of staff; assigns and communicates daily activities and deadlines to staff.
• Assess, plan, and implements best practice standards and assures compliance with all regulations, policies, and guidelines; compiles and submits data, analyses, and reports.
• Creates and implements a master communication plan that aligns with the strategic initiatives and values of the City and City Council.
• Plans, leads, and organizes timely communication to accurately inform Sammamish residents of City issues, actions, services, emergency information, and important legislation.
• Provides oversight of written publication processes including writing articles, speeches, publications, and/or presentations.
• Manages the City’s press and media relations strategy; builds relations with media and community leaders.
• Functions as the editor-in-chief and ensures high-quality production, efficient reach, and effectiveness of city communication across all platforms including the city’s website, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Serves as the City spokesperson, as appropriate, reinforcing the positions and perspectives of the City Council and leadership team.
• Creates a thorough archive of well-researched statements and talking points to be used by City leadership and City Council.
• Remains neutral, transparent, proactive,…