DEFINITION
The Special Projects and Communications Manager supports the City Manager’s Office by leading the City’s communications function and providing comprehensive management, monitoring, and evaluation of key projects, initiatives, and programs. This position oversees the planning and execution of strategic communications, supervises and guides the communications team, and ensures messaging is timely, accurate, and aligned with the City Manager’s priorities.
The position holder is responsible for tracking progress, delivering regular status updates, preparing reports, and developing data-informed recommendations to improve performance and outcomes. Serving as a central liaison, the Special Projects and Communications Manager coordinates between the City Manager’s Office, internal departments, elected officials, community partners, and external stakeholders, utilizing a variety of communication channels to effectively engage diverse audiences.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
• Receives supervision from the City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
• Provides supervision over staff in the City Manager’s Office.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide strategic guidance and assistance to the City Manager and other Executive Staff members regarding key issues, projects, and programs.
• Manage, monitor, and evaluate projects and programs for effectiveness and efficiency, and implement appropriate action to improve service delivery.
• Conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports and other presentations for decision making processes including economic development, public affairs, marketing efforts, and complaint resolution.
• Investigates, documents, and resolves complaints and concerns from residents, elected officials, and others.
• Researches key issues and develops recommendations on policy and practices in alignment with the City’s strategic plan and goals.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and develop opportunities for improvement throughout the City.
• Participate in the coordination of City communication
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office; exposure to constant noise; writing; walking; typing; stooping; standing; sorting; squatting; sitting; seeing; pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; filing; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person, and by telephone; fine finger manipulation; operation of a personal computer, printer, calculator, copier, and various other office machines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- City government operations, policies, and applicable regulations
- Effective project management and communication best practices.
- Budgeting and fiscal management principles and procedures
- Verbal and written communication skills
Ability to:
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.
- Assist in preparation and maintaining divisional budget.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise.
- Foster effective collaboration and communication among others.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Political Science, Communication or a related field.
- Experience in a municipal government organization.
- Project management experience.
- Public communication experience.
- Experience supervising the work of others.
- Relevant combinations of education and experience will be considered.
