Communications Manager

Job Class: 1143 Department: City Manager's Office R eports To: Director of Communications

Summary: Works very closely with the Director of Communications and under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and directs the City's communications, public information, marketing, and branding for the City of Odessa. In cooperation with City departments and officials, develops and distributes accurate, timely, and accessible public information about the City and its services. Responsible for coordinating responses to public information requests and public awareness of City programs; manages internal and external communication for the City. Not an 8 - 5 job. On call most of the time.

Essential Functions: -- -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for working with the Director of Communications on creating, implementing, and measuring success of: a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the City's image and position within the local market and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications: and all organization marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, client acquisition and so forth.
• Ensures articulation of City's desired image and position, assures consistent communication of image and position throughout the organization, and assures communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.
• Develops novel approaches, methods and designs to positively promote the City's image.
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of all organization publications.
• Coordinates media interest in the Organization and ensures regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Works with management and other staff to: develop and maintain a strategic perspective-the base on local market and constituent needs and satisfaction-in organizational directions, program and services, and decision making; and ensure the overall health and vitality of the City.
• Responsible for the achievement of marketing /communications/public relations mission, goals and financial objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the City Manager's Office.
• Manages staff along with the Director of Communications, which may include interviewing and selection, job description preparation, professional development, goal setting, performance management, coaching and mentoring, employee counseling, and separations. Reviews and approves time records, expense reports, requests for leave, and overtime.
• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate City newsletter.
• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate responses to media requests.
• Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events; serves as Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergency events.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training & Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; AND five years' increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and public relations required; public sector experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal rules and regulations, covering municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings, and the Texas Public Information Act.
• Principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations, and community relations programs.
• Developing and managing budgets.
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication.
• Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government programs.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in the production of video projects.
• Local community resources and state and regional community services programs.
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government employees.

Skill in:

• Coordinating the City's public information programs, projects, and operations, and developing community relations and communications programs from concept to completion.
• Analyzing information from a variety of sources and developing effective action plans.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
• Writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with the media.
• Shooting and editing of videos
• Website updates
• Preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.
• Interpreting and explaining federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials, and representatives from other regional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized presentation software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

• Manage multiple projects at a time.
• Apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues. Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
• Work well under pressure.
• Coach and educate others.
• Lead with strategic thinking and initiative.
• Have a sophisticated executive presence and ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.

License and Certifications:

• A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.