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The Communications Manager, under the direction of the Chief of Administration, develops, implements, and manages the City's strategic communications program to enhance two-way communication between the City and its residents through printed publications, websites, social media, mass communication tools, and government access television. This position will write, design, and produce a variety of public information materials in print, electronic, audio and video formats; develop and implement policies and procedures regarding public information and community involvement programs on issues affecting the organization; serve as the public information officer; staff the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC); and provide in-house expertise in the fields of public information and communications.
Examples of Duties
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversee Citywide messaging and communications and direct all facets of publicly consumed branding and marketing. Write, edit, design, research and produce public information materials using a variety of formats including print, electronic, social media, audio, and video to enhance two-way communication between the City and its residents.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, City-wide strategic communications plan, including the development and implementation of policies and procedures for communications.
- Manage the City's website content, multiple social media channels, weekly E-newsletter, and public engagement platform.
- Maintain and enhance the City’s photo archives of various events, activities, and programs.
- Develop, recommend, and implement new communications methods and enhancements to achieve City goals and accomplish associated research to evaluate emerging communications technology.
- Provide expertise and coordinate City communications and engagement programs to obtain community participation in the City's decision-making process; identify groups/organizations affected by anticipated City action and ensure their opportunity for involvement; develop and publish public survey tools.
- Provide internal departments with communications support by creating communication plans, editing material, and supplying general guidance and expertise. Advise and assist staff on appropriate ways to communicate information to the public to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Lead and/or facilitate interdepartmental communication teams.
- Assist City elected officials and staff in presenting information on City priorities and issues in the most effective way; compose talking points and speeches.
- Serve as the public information officer (PIO) for the City. Prepare and deliver oral press briefings and written press releases to the media on city issues; represent the City as the lead contact for media inquiries.
- During emergency events, serve as incident PIO, in collaboration with other key staff based out of City’s EOC.
- Provide guidance, support, and problem-solving assistance to community groups in accessing City decision-makers and the decision-making process.
- Prepare public displays and represent the City at public/community events as needed.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Typical Qualifications
Education, Training, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree with major course work in communications, journalism, public administration, or a related field. Increasingly responsible experience in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of:
- Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive communication program.
- Government systems, processes, and procedures particularly related to municipalities.
- Political environments and sensitivities.
- Principles, practices and applications of public relations, public information/communications.
- Practical needs of print electronic news, social media admin, and archiving.
- Principles, practices, and techniques of desktop publishing and graphics production, providing public information using public access television, printing processes and production methods, web site development, and journalistic writing.
- Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
- Applicable computer software applications.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
- Local organizations and applicable public disclosure laws.
Ability to:
- Manage and direct a comprehensive communications program.
- Write, edit, design, produce and disseminate communications materials using a variety of formats, including print, electronic, audio, video, web site and public access television. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Effectively integrate graphic design elements in communications materials.
- Develop and implement guidelines, policies, and procedures for external communications on issues affecting the organization.
- Provide expertise, advice, and assistance to staff in the fields of communications and public information.
- Compose talking points and speeches as well as coach City staff on speaking with the media.
- Use sound judgement and professional methods to aid clients on communications issues.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Lead interdepartmental teams on communications projects.
- Commit to a team focus and provide efficient, effective, and innovative services.
- Train City staff on various communication tools and principles.
- Manage multiple projects and tasks and work swiftly but accurately under pressure.
- Prepare and deliver public presentations.
- Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
- Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software.
Other City Requirements:
- Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Evidence of a good driving record is a condition of employment and a complete driving abstract will be required.
- Completion of a Nationwide and Washington State criminal history background check is required in order to determine any past conviction history of crimes against persons, sexual assault, or exploitation, and sexual or physical abuse and must be able to pass a thorough background check as required by the Child/Adult Abuse Information Act.
- Completion of an I-9 Form, documenting eligibility to work in the United States.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Work is performed in office settings. Work requires movement to other locations for meetings and employee may be required to attend evening meetings, or work on breaking news items over the weekend. Work activities include combinations of sitting, standing, and walking and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to work under stressful conditions at times. When in the office, work requires hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and various office machinery. Ability to hear and speak clearly both in person and on the telephone.
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