Communications Manager

Communications Manager

This position is eligible for a partial telework schedule, with a combination of on-site and remote work based on job responsibilities and operational needs. This position may be underfilled as a Communications Supervisor. The Communications Supervisor salary range is $45.57-$59.79 per hour. The Communications Manager advances Prince William Water's mission, vision and strategic goals through strategic messaging and content management for the Division's internal and external communication programs. This position reports to the Director of Communications & Community Engagement and manages messaging campaigns, media relations, emergency communications, digital and print communications, and customer and employee information initiatives. The Communications Manager's role is to strengthen the organization's communication with internal and external stakeholders, support operational priorities and advance the Annual Strategic Communications Plan. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions

The role is responsible for directing the work of a team of communications professionals, ensuring that all communications are timely, accurate, accessible and aligned with organizational objectives. Provides seasoned judgment in crisis and emergency communications, serves as a primary media spokesperson, and oversees the development of communication strategies across the web, social media, newsletters, multimedia content, industry media and other platforms. Supports the Director and provides day-to-day leadership for the Communications Services Department, ensuring effective planning, prioritization and execution of communications initiatives, including those in the Strategic Communications Plan. Advises the Director on communication opportunities, risks and messaging strategies. Develops, implements and evaluates comprehensive communication strategies that support organizational goals, major projects, and customer and employee engagement needs. Oversees public-facing messaging prepared by the Communications Services Department across multiple channels including the website, social media, media releases, articles, and customer and employee newsletters to ensure accuracy, clarity and alignment with organizational brand, policy and values. Serves as the division's media relations lead, including message development, responding to media inquiries, conducting or coordinating interviews, seeking earned media placement and preparing organizational spokespeople. Researches, develops content and provides editorial direction and oversight for written, digital, audio and video messaging. Ensures high-quality writing, consistent messaging and adherence to AP Style. Coordinates emergency communications planning and response, including developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, message development, serving in the 24/7 Public Information Officer (PIO) rotation and training other team members in the PIO on-call role. Oversees the organization's website governance, content strategy and social media presence to ensure accuracy, accessibility and effective engagement. Leads data-driven assessment of communications performance and recommends enhancements based on quantitative and qualitative insights. Builds and maintains strategic relationships with local, regional and industry media outlets on behalf of Prince William Water. Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders, supporting requests for public and internal messaging campaigns. Manages contracts, task orders and vendor relationships related to the Communications Services Department to support the organization's communication initiatives. Supervises assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance management, coaching and workflow planning. Monitors work progress to evaluate effectiveness and adjust workload, operations and processes as needed. Works closely with the Community Engagement Manager to ensure alignment of messaging tone, clarity and timing between the Communications Services Department and Community Outreach Department. Maintains confidentiality and ensures compliance with legal, regulatory and organizational standards. Operates a Prince William Water vehicle, as required. May be deemed essential at any time. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Skills and Experience

Essential Competencies: Thorough knowledge of public information management, communication strategy, and integrated messaging across traditional, digital and emerging platforms. Advanced-level writing, editing and proofreading with the ability to explain technical issues in plain language and tell a compelling narrative. Strong understanding of media relations and the ability to serve as a credible spokesperson, including in emergency situations. Proven leadership abilities with experience supervising, coaching and developing staff. Demonstrated ability handle sensitive, confidential or high-visibility situations. Ability to plan, organize and manage multiple programs and projects with competing priorities. Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build organizational relationships. Understanding of supervisory principles, performance evaluation and conflict resolution. Ability to translate complex technical and operational information into accessible communications. Prior experience or understanding in leveraging artificial intelligence in strategic communication planning. Proficiency with digital platforms, content management systems, and social media strategy. Ability to develop and manage budgets.

Minimum Education and Work Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public administration or a related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible communications experience, including experience communications project management and media relations. Or a combination of education and experience as described above.

Required Licenses/Certifications and other Special Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license consistent with Prince William Water policy requirements. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America or the ability to obtain accreditation within two years of employment to this position. Minimum Lead/Supervisory or Management Experience: At least two years supervising and directing the work of individuals or teams.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Physical demands: The work is partly sedentary with periods of light to moderate physical activity and is performed in offices and field sites. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for short periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, ladders or scaffolding; bend, kneel and crouch; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and operate computer or typewriter keyboards. Work requires the ability to speak clearly, to see and hear clearly with or without correction, and to detect odors.

Work environment: Employee is subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours. Employees are required to wear protective gear to protect against hazards in the work.