SUMMARY

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:
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The position requires frequent use of a personal computer and related software applications, telephone, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment. Duties involve continuous sitting for extended periods, intermittent standing and walking, occasional bending, reaching, twisting, and fine manual dexterity for keyboarding and document handling. The incumbent must be able to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

The position requires regular verbal and written communication, including extensive telephone and electronic communication, and may require attendance at evening meetings or travel to off-site meetings, conferences, or other City facilities.

Work may occasionally be performed outdoors at special events, or field locations, with exposure to sun, varying temperatures, wind, uneven surfaces, and other typical outdoor environmental conditions. The incumbent may also be exposed to moderately loud noise levels in field settings.

The position requires frequent interaction with employees, members of the public, and other stakeholders, including individuals who may be experiencing stress or conflict, necessitating professionalism, composure, and effective interpersonal communication.