Communications Manager

The Communications Manager, under the general direction of the City Administrator, is responsible for the strategic planning, development and implementation of internal and external communication initiatives that inform and respond to citizen/constituent interests and needs. This member of the management team develops and maintains media relations, leads strategy and content management for the City’s social media platforms, manages the City’s website content and design, develops and designs a variety of communication collateral, oversees the application of the City’s brand, and assists with crisis communication. The Communications Manager serves as editor, writer, photographer and designer of the City’s newsletter and other communication and marketing materials. This position is responsible for community engagement and outreach and for ensuring the City provides exceptional customer service to all who interact with the City of Brentwood. Principal Duties and Responsibilities The following duties, responsibilities and expectations are not necessarily limited to the following, and are not enumerated in any particular order or priority. At any particular time the frequency or duration with which one or more of the following specific duties is performed may vary widely. Plans, develops, directs, and administers strategic communications and marketing initiatives that build and sustain a positive image of the City of Brentwood. Works with all departments to implement an integrated communication strategy that connects the public to the community and the City. In consultation with the City Administrator, responds to requests for information from the news media and designates an appropriate spokesperson or information source. Cultivates and maintains strong media relationships. Writes press releases and media briefings and assists with press conferences. Works with City leadership to develop strategic communications administered during a crisis; serves as a CodeRED notification system administrator. Develops and evaluates an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the City's brand identity and broaden awareness of its programs and priorities. Oversees the production and publication of the citywide newsletter, Annual Report, and other materials, including design, content, printing, and distribution, while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements. Leads strategy and content management for City’s social media platforms. Serves as primary administrator of the City website. Prepares marketing collateral to promote and inform the public about the City of Brentwood. Coordinates City ceremonial events such as facility grand openings, ribbon cuttings and dedications, including media coordination and outreach, preparation of speeches/talking points, and event logistics. Prepares and monitors budget for community relations and communications/public relations activities. Fosters and support positive cultural change for the City. Monitors external media for City publicity. Coordinates archiving of social media. Supervises third-party consultants, including video recording of meetings and communications/public relations consultants and vendors. Maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and the general public. Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as directed or required. Knowledge Skills and Abilities Proficient in verbal and writing skills, including a command of grammar, usage and vocabulary. Proficient in web design and other electronic media tools. Command of social media platforms (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram). Skilled at translating brand identity into work products. Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence. Skilled in public relations and communicating with a wide variety of people. Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, management, outside agencies, and the media. Adept in organizing workflow and managing multiple projects with varying deadlines. Knowledge of municipal government operations. Proficient in the use of computers and related equipment, hardware and software applicable to area of assignment. Ability to translate complex technical material into simple and understandable concepts. Ability to work under deadlines and stressful situations. Ability to define and resolve problems quickly and effectively. Ability to analyze and interpret general business periodicals and professional journals. Ability to plan, organize, assign, and supervise the work of personnel engaged in a variety of customer service and public relations activities. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, co-workers, and the general public. Ability to respond courteously and informatively to citizen questions and requests for information. Minimum Requirements – Education, Certification, and Experience Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or a closely related field. The successful candidate will have a well-rounded communications background of at least five years of broad and extensive experience in marketing and branding, public relations or communications activities. Preferred Qualifications – Education, Certification, and Experience Experience as a customer service manager in a high-performance environment. Professional Certification (such as APR). Must frequently refine existing work methods and develop new techniques, concepts or programs within established limits or policies Work is typically performed indoors at a desk or table with intermittent sitting, standing and stooping Must lift light objects such as cameras, video equipment, laptop computers(less than 25 pounds) as a requirement of the job. Contacts Frequent contact with federal and state officials and administrators, the general public, external and internal contacts requiring tact and diplomacy are requirements of the job. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for the position. The City of Brentwood is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Brentwood is a drug and alcohol free work place. A pre-employment drug screen and background check is required for all positions. Additional pre-employment testing may be required for certain positions. It is the policy of the City of Brentwood not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, religion, sex or disability except where specific requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification. #J-18808-Ljbffr