Communications Manager

Job Description

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and executing internal and external communication strategies that promote transparency, engagement, and a positive public image of the Town of Mead and the Mead Police Department. This role supports the Board of Trustees and all Town Departments (Police, Public Works, Community Development, Administration, and Recreation). This role administers the dissemination of town and police information and messaging across various platforms, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with the Town's values and goals. This mid-level role is expected to perform the full range of duties independently, using sound judgment and initiative. While general guidance or occasional instruction may be provided for new or unique situations, the individual in this role typically develops and carries out assigned programs with minimal supervision. The Communications Manager will be responsible for specific communication projects or initiatives. In the absence of the Communications & Community Engagement Director, the Communications Manager will serve as Deputy to the Community Engagement Department and act as a liaison to Recreation, Events, Economic Development, and Communications. This position may supervise other employees. The individual in this role should have experience in recreation, event planning, or business, and possess the ability to make independent decisions. Familiarity with recreation and event operations, as well as facility operations, is strongly preferred. Work Arrangement: The position requires on-site presence and is not a remote role. Due to the nature of the position, flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-standard hours. The incumbent will be expected to attend evening meetings, including Board of Trustees meetings, work sessions, and retreats. Additional attendance at special events, Board and Commission meetings, and other organizational functions may be required. This position also plays a key role in supporting emergency response efforts and may be required to work outside of normal business hours during emergency situations or other critical operational needs. Supervision Received: Works with minimal supervision from the Communications & Community Engagement Director For Application: We strongly encourage submitting samples of communications work you've done in the past.

Summary of Duties

The list below is intended to be illustrative of the responsibilities of the position and is not all-encompassing. The Town may change these duties at any time.

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications for internal and external audiences, ensuring all digital content adheres to the Town's ICT Plan and meets ADA accessibility standards.
• Lead and manage cross-departmental projects, coordinating resources, timelines, and personnel.
• Serve as a contact for media inquiries and public information requests.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, newsletters, reports, blog posts, and official statements.
• Manage the Town's websites and social media channels, creating engaging content and monitoring analytics to improve outreach.
• Coordinate public outreach campaigns, town events, and community engagement efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.
• Support internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.
• Assist in developing and executing emergency communication protocols and provide timely updates during critical incidents.
• Support Board of Trustee communications, presentations, and public-facing materials.
• Support Mead Police Department communications, presentations, and public-facing materials
• Assist with marketing, branding, signage, and multimedia content creation.
• Review and edit materials produced by staff for clarity, consistency, and accuracy.
• Perform additional duties as required by the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Recreation Management, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in communications.
• Two (2) years of experience in municipal government or public sector communications.
• Proven ability to lead cross-departmental projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of community engagement strategies, communication plans, and public outreach practices.
• Experience with emergency communications, media relations, and public information dissemination.
• Experience planning, coordinating, or managing recreation programs, events, or facility operations preferred.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Licenses and Certifications
• Valid Colorado Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Candidate must go through a successful drug screen & background check.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Proficiency in digital tools including social media platforms, website, and graphic design software.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, contact management, Adobe publishing/design, and other communications related software.
• Strong and proficient writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritize high-volume workloads and changing priorities, under tight deadlines.
• Displays appropriate levels of interest and concern for all Town employees and members of the public.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in internal and external situations.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings for meetings, emergencies, and special events.
• Detail-oriented, responsive, and committed to providing high quality content and customer service.
• Ability to engage in positive dialogue with the Board, the Mayor, the Town Manager, the public, and senior management regarding communication strategies, while being sensitive when maneuvering through controversial or political issues.
• Ability to take ownership over key communication topics, and problem solve as needed.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment and to react resourcefully under varying conditions including local emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the media, groups of managers, Town employees, community members, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the new media, public expectations of government, website management, social media and other communications tools, emergency operations planning and other evolving government functions.
• Ability to serve as Deputy to the Community Engagement Director and act as a liaison to Recreation, Events, Economic Development, and Communications when required.
• Experience or strong familiarity with recreation and event operations, facility operations, and business engagement activities.
• Ability to make independent decisions and provide leadership support in the absence of the Communications & Community Engagement Director.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment Frequency Guide

Rarely (R) - Occasionally (O) - Frequently (F) - Constantly (C)

Less than - 5% - 6 – 30% - 31% - 70% - Over 70%

Physical Task - Frequency - Physical Surroundings - Frequency

Sitting - F - Extreme Temperatures - R

Standing - F - Inside Work - C

Walking - F - Outside Work - R

Running - R - Walking on uneven surfaces - R

Stooping - O - Working at height - R

Kneeling - O - Other:

Squatting - O

Climbing - R - Environmental Conditions

Balancing - R - Exposure to Chemicals - R

Reaching - O - Exposure to Gases/Fumes/Dust - R

Grasping - C - High Noise Levels - R

Fingering - C - Moderate Noise Levels - O

Handling - C - Vibrations - O

Visual Acuity: Near - C - Light/Power Equipment Ops - R

Visual Acuity Far - O - Heavy Equipment Operation - R

Depth Perception - R - Work in Traffic - R

Color Discrimination - R - Local Travel - F

Peripheral Vision - O - Out of Town Travel - O

Talking - C - Other:

Hearing - C

Other: - Weight of Objects Moved

Over 100 pounds - R

Over 50 Pounds - R

Over 10 pounds - O

Why Work for the Town of Mead?

The Town of Mead is a small, enchanting community that's creating a buzz as one