The City of Bellingham is looking for an innovative, adaptable Public Safety Communications Manager to join our dynamic Communications and Community Relations team. This role sits within the Police Department and is both a traditional PIO who will handle day-to-day communications and a communication strategist who can shape clear, modern communication and engagement strategies—while also serving as a steady, trusted source of information during critical moments.
This is a hands-on, highly collaborative position for a communicator who can think strategically, act decisively, and build strong relationships across departments and the community. You’ll manage a portfolio of public safety and emergency communications efforts, develop multimedia content across platforms, strengthen systems for timely and accurate information-sharing, and help create meaningful opportunities for public understanding and engagement.
If you’re a clear, confident communicator who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings a calm presence under pressure, and cares deeply about serving the community with integrity, we encourage you to apply. This opportunity closes on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:30pm.
About Bellingham:
The City of Bellingham is dedicated to providing high-quality public services while fostering a sustainable, equitable, and thriving community. Located in the picturesque northwest corner of the United States, Bellingham offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic vibrancy. With over 95,000 residents, the city boasts a majestic environment featuring the Salish Sea, Mount Baker, and abundant recreational opportunities. The City employs nearly 1,000 individuals across 15 departments, offering diverse and meaningful employment opportunities. Bellingham is committed to enriching the lives of its residents and employees through collaboration and excellence.
Job Summary:
This position assists the Communications and Community Relations Director in leading and coordinating unified public safety and emergency communications across City departments. Develops, implements and manages effective communications and outreach systems and strategies to inform and involve the Bellingham community in the City’s public safety work with a focus on transparency and access to timely, accurate and understandable information about Citywide public safety actions and services. Leads all communications, community engagement, and outreach activities for the Police Department, including media relations, print and digital communications, special events, community engagement, and public opinion research. Serves a lead role in the City’s emergency communications team, and develops and maintains the City’s emergency communication plans, protocols, and templates. Develops and facilitates strategic communications and community relations approaches to ongoing and emerging public safety issues. Ensures the City’s commitment to equity and belonging is incorporated in communications and public outreach initiatives and actively contributes to an inclusive City. Participates in strategic planning and development of new initiatives. Contributes to Citywide communications priorities as assigned.
Salary and Benefits:
The current full salary range for this position is $8,352/month - $10,117/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.
The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications.
For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.
At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.
- 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
- 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
- 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
- Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match
Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- BA/BS degree in communications, marketing, public relations, law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field required.
- Three years of professional experience coordinating, developing, and implementing communications, media relations, public relations and/or public engagement activities required. Experience in law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice or related field preferred.
- Experience in a government agency preferred.
- Master’s degree in related field preferred.
- A combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
- Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check, background investigation, polygraph examination and fingerprinting. Criminal convictions check subject to re-check every five years.
- Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.
- Requires ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work to attend meetings, respond to emergencies, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Certificate of completion from Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) /Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Courses within six months of hire: IS-29.A Public Information Officer Awareness; E0105 Public Information Basics.
- Must be able to obtain Level I ACCESS operator and CJIS certification within six months of hire.
The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
