
Strategic Communications Manager
ICMA, DC
Who we are:
Founded more than a century ago, ICMA is the premier professional association for local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders, serving more than 13,000 members globally. As a membership association, we provide research and knowledge resources, professional development and training, peer to peer engagement, and technical assistance.
At ICMA, we take the concept of local government leadership, management, and innovation further into the future. Through our mission and passion to advance professional local government, we help communities deliver innovative services, empower resident engagement, enable economic development, strengthen leadership, uphold ethics, and provide forward-thinking management.
We ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace by welcoming people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and by learning from each other, individually and collectively.
A Great Opportunity:
ICMA is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to develop and execute comprehensive strategic communications initiatives to advance ICMA's mission, enhance organizational reputation, and strengthen stakeholder engagement across local government management communities. The Strategic Communications Manager will be responsible for creating and implementing integrated communication strategies that support organizational objectives, manage brand messaging, and drive thought leadership positioning within the public administration sector.
This role emphasizes strategic storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and multi-platform content development to effectively communicate ICMA's value proposition to diverse audiences including local government professionals, elected officials, media, partners, and the broader public sector community. The position requires expertise in both internal and external communications, crisis communication preparedness, and the ability to translate complex policy and program information into compelling, accessible messaging across multiple channels and formats.
The Strategic Communications Manager reports to the Managing Director, Brand Management, Marketing and Outreach.
The salary is based on experience level and ranges between $93,063 and $116,327.
What you'll do:
Strategic Communication Planning & Execution:
Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and plans that align with ICMA's strategic objectives, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement goals.
Create integrated communication campaigns that effectively promote ICMA's programs, services, research, and thought leadership across multiple channels and audiences.
Collaborate with senior leadership to develop organizational messaging frameworks, key talking points, and positioning statements for various initiatives and external communications.
Content Development & Brand Management:
Create compelling, high-quality content including executive communications, organizational announcements, policy briefs, case studies, and thought leadership articles that reinforce ICMA's expertise and value proposition.
Develop and maintain consistent brand voice, messaging, and visual identity across all communication channels and materials.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate complex policy, research, and program information into accessible content for diverse stakeholder audiences.
Media Relations & External Communications:
Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts, industry publications, and influential voices within the local government and public administration sectors.
Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies, including press releases, media advisories, and story pitching to secure meaningful coverage and thought leadership opportunities.
Serve as primary communications liaison for media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and manage crisis communication responses as needed.
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building:
Design and implement communication strategies to engage ICMA's diverse stakeholder communities including members, partners, sponsors, and industry influencers.
Develop targeted messaging and communication approaches for different audience segments, ensuring relevance and cultural sensitivity for stakeholders worldwide
Support executive communications including speech writing, presentation development, and stakeholder meeting facilitation.
Digital Communications & Social Media Strategy:
Manage and optimize ICMA's digital communication channels including website content, social media platforms, email communications, and digital publications.
Develop social media content strategies that drive engagement, build community, and amplify ICMA's thought leadership and program impact.
Monitor digital communications performance, analyze engagement metrics, and optimize strategies based on data-driven insights.
Internal Communications & Change Management:
Develop and implement internal communication strategies that keep staff, leadership, and board members informed of organizational priorities, achievements, and strategic initiatives.
Create communication plans to support organizational change initiatives, new program launches, and strategic transitions.
Facilitate cross-departmental communication and collaboration through effective internal messaging and communication protocols.
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management:
Develop crisis communication protocols and response strategies to protect and maintain ICMA's reputation during challenging situations.
Monitor organizational reputation across media and digital channels, providing proactive recommendations for reputation management.
Coordinate rapid response communications during urgent situations or public relations challenges.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support organizational communication objectives.
What you need to be successful in this role:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
Experience:
Eight or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related field, with demonstrated expertise in multi-stakeholder communication and brand management.
Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication campaigns that drive measurable engagement and achieve organizational objectives.
Experience in nonprofit, association, or public sector communications preferred, with understanding of government and public administration environments.
Demonstrated experience managing media relationships, crisis communications, and executive-level communications support.
Technical Proficiencies:
Advanced proficiency with communication and collaboration tools including content management systems, social media management platforms, and email marketing tools.
Experience with digital analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics) and ability to measure and report on communication effectiveness.
Proficiency with design and multimedia tools for content creation (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms preferred).
Core Competencies:
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and formats.
Strong analytical abilities to assess communication effectiveness, measure impact, and optimize strategies based on performance data.
Proven project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex communication initiatives simultaneously.
Outstanding relationship-building and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, and media contacts.
Strategic thinking capabilities with ability to align communication initiatives with broader organizational goals and stakeholder needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in communications, public administration, or related field.
Professional certifications in public relations (APR), digital marketing, or related specializations.
Experience with communications and cross-cultural messaging strategies.
Background in local government, public administration, or municipal management sectors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of strategic communication principles and best practices for nonprofit, association, or public sector organizations, including stakeholder engagement and reputation management strategies.
Understanding of media relations and public relations fundamentals, including news value assessment, story development, and relationship building with journalism and industry media professionals.
Familiarity with digital communication platforms and strategies, including social media management, content marketing, email communications, and website optimization for audience engagement.
Knowledge of brand management and messaging development, including ability to maintain consistent organizational voice and positioning across multiple channels and stakeholder groups.
Understanding of crisis communication protocols and reputation management strategies to protect organizational interests during challenging situations.
Ability to write clear, compelling, and persuasive content tailored to diverse audiences including government professionals, elected officials, media, and general public stakeholders.
Advanced analytical skills to measure communication effectiveness, track engagement metrics, and provide data-driven recommendations for strategy optimization.
Proficiency with communication technology tools including content management systems, social media management platforms, email marketing tools, and digital analytics platforms.
Knowledge of public administration and local government sectors, including understanding of policy development, governance structures, and professional development needs within the municipal management community.
Understanding of cross-cultural communication strategies for effective engagement with international stakeholders and diverse professional communities.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, media contacts, and senior organizational leadership.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards and strategic alignment.
Creative and strategic approach to communication challenges with ability to develop innovative solutions that advance organizational objectives and stakeholder engagement.
Preferred Skills
Advanced certifications in public relations (APR, PRSA accreditation)
Experience with government relations and public policy communications
Multilingual capabilities for international stakeholder engagement
Expertise in data visualization and infographic development
Experience with podcast production or multimedia content creation
Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing best practices
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is typically performed in a virtual home office environment free from hazards or unpleasant environmental conditions
Work requires travel up to 15% of time, including attendance at conferences, stakeholder meetings, and media events, primarily within the U.S.
Position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support events, crisis communications, or media opportunities.
What we can offer you:
Remote work environment
A collegial working environment where teamwork and individual contributions are valued
A competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer sponsored health, dental, life, disability, and employee assistance benefits
Paid time off to include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and floating days
Generous retirement plan
Opportunities for ongoing professional development
This position is based out of ICMA's headquarters, located in Washington, D.C. At this time, all ICMA staff are working remotely. The selected individual must be able to work the core business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST. Our office will remain operational and accessible for staff to use on a voluntary basis.
The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
EEO Statement
At ICMA, we strive to promote and sustain a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging every day. ICMA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists, and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for ICMA job opportunities.