Under general supervision of the City Manager, the Communications Manager coordinates the development, implementation, and support of the City's community engagement and public communication efforts. The position works with subject-matter expert staff to disseminate complex, sensitive ,and high-profile information regarding the city programs, projects, policies, initiatives, and events, as well as manage the City’s website. The position coordinates the City’s marketing programs and outreach efforts and works with the City’s Emergency Management Team in the development and implementation of effective emergency outreach communications and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Plan, develop, and implement the City’s comprehensive communications and community engagement programs across digital, print, and in-person platforms.
- Serve as the primary media liaison, managing inquiries, preparing news releases and public statements, coordinating press conferences, and maintaining professional relationships with media and partner agencies.
- Create, edit, and oversee the production of promotional, informational, and multimedia content, including social media, marketing campaigns, publications, photography, and video.
- Provide strategic communications guidance and training to City staff on messaging, media relations, and public information practices.
- Develop targeted outreach strategies to engage diverse and underserved populations and strengthen community partnerships.
- Coordinate, local, state, federal and international Sister City communication to support City initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate social media platforms, press coverage, and engagement metrics; implement strategies to enhance reach and effectiveness.
- Research, implement, and manage mass communication and community engagement tools and software systems.
- Design and conduct surveys; perform research and analysis; and prepare reports to support data-informed decision-making.
- Ensure digital accessibility compliance in accordance with ADA standards and best practices.
- Administer the communication budget and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
- Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and a commitment to positive public service in all interactions.
- Perform related duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
Knowledge:
- Principles and best practices of public relations, community outreach, and civic engagement.
- Strategic communications, marketing methodologies, and branding principles.
- Political and community development issues affecting municipal government operations.
- Budget preparation, administration, and fiscal accountability practices.
- Research methods, survey design, data analysis, and performance measurement tools.
- Media production techniques, including photography, videography, broadcast equipment, layout design, and graphic standards.
- Microsoft Office applications and relevant graphic design, web content management, and publishing software.
- Social media strategy, web design principles, and visual communication techniques.
- Media relations practices, including preparation of news releases and public messaging across multiple platforms.
- Accessibility standards and requirements applicable to digital communications.
- Emergency and crisis communication principles.
Skills and Abilities:
- Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Exercise sound professional judgment and demonstrate analytical, creative, and strategic thinking.
- Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
- Utilize customer service principles to foster positive and productive interactions.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
- Adapt communication strategies to diverse audiences and evolving community needs.
After the evaluation of minimum qualifications, examination parts for this recruitment may include, but are not limited to the following: written exam, performance exam, oral appraisal interview, physical ability test, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If moved forward, candidates will be notified via email of the type of examination required for this recruitment.Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field.
Experience
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, public affairs, communications, or media relations. At least one (1) year of recent experience should include supervisory or lead responsibilities. Experience in a public agency or municipal environment is highly desirable.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Essential duties require the mental and physical ability to work in a standard office environment; drive a motor vehicle; operate a computer and computer software, including email, phone, calculator, fax; use writing tools, and any other standard office tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential duties of this classification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Standing & Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standinginworkareasandwalkingbetweenworkareasmaybe required.
- Sitting-Abilitytoworkinaseatedpositionatacomputerstationfor extended periods of time.
- Lifting - Ability to safely lift 25 pounds; this requirement includesbending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
- Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying and adding machines; writing.
- Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
- Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups,andoverthetelephone.
- Mobility–Abilitytoworkinastandardofficesettingandoperatea motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employeesworkinanofficeenvironmentwithmoderatenoiselevels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physicalsubstances.Employeesmayinteractwithupsetstaffand/or publicandprivaterepresentativesininterpretingandenforcing
