Communications Manager

Are you a strategic communications professional who is highly experienced in strategic communications, and leading high‑performing teams? The City of Rancho Cordova invites you to apply for an exciting Communications Manager opportunity within the Communications & Public Affairs Department. The City of Rancho Cordova is seeking a highly experienced, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent leader to oversee the City’s communications program. In this role, you will guide efforts that inform and connect residents, businesses, community partners, and stakeholders while advancing initiatives that support the City’s vision and strategic priorities. Working under the general direction of the Communications & Public Affairs Director, the Communications Manager oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the Communications Division and helps implement the full‑range of strategic communications to generate public awareness, support City initiatives, and foster meaningful community connections. Key Responsibilities The Communications Manager leads the City’s communications program and oversees a high‑performing team responsible for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging information across multiple channels. This position provides strategic direction, manages priorities and resources, and ensures communications efforts align with City objectives while supporting transparency, public trust, and meaningful community impact. The role requires both strategic vision and technical expertise, as well as management expertise, including guiding the City’s response during complex and rapidly evolving situations, translating technical information into accessible messaging, and overseeing the development of high‑profile communications materials that support organizational goals and community understanding. Leading and developing a high‑performing team responsible for digital content, social media, media relations, community outreach, and public engagement. Developing and implementing strategic communications plans, messaging platforms, and annual work plans that support City priorities. Overseeing the creation of complex communications materials, including reports, presentations, speeches, historical content, and other executive‑level communications. Managing media relations, public information efforts, and crisis communications, including responding to emerging issues and high‑profile inquiries. Providing strategic counsel on communications approaches, community sentiment, and emerging trends through research, analysis, and performance measurement. Partnering with City departments and external stakeholders to communicate major projects, initiatives, and community impacts. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a strategic and relationship‑driven leader who can balance long‑term vision with day‑to‑day execution. This individual is a skilled communicator, trusted advisor, and problem solver who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about public service. They possess exceptional emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex issues with professionalism, discretion, and confidence. Successful candidates will demonstrate: Knowledge of strategic communications, media relations, digital engagement, community outreach, and crisis communications principles. The ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences. Experience developing communications strategies, key messaging frameworks, executive‑level materials, and public‑facing content that simultaneously informs residents, businesses and/or key stakeholders, while advancing organizational objectives. Strong research, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to inform communications decisions. Exceptional interpersonal skills, political awareness, and the ability to build credibility with elected officials, community members, business leaders, partners, staff, and members of the media. Proven experience leading professional teams through challenging situations while fostering accountability, collaboration, growth, and high performance. NOTE: The Communications Manager is a newly created position approved as part of the City’s Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget. The salary range for this classification will be added to the City’s FY 2026/2027 Salary Schedule, which becomes effective July 5, 2026. Benefits of Working for the City of Rancho Cordova City of Rancho Cordova employees enjoy a robust benefit plan for themselves and their families. Choice of a generous monthly stipend for Medical/Dental/Vision or Cash in Lieu of Medical Insurance 13 paid holidays per year Universal Time Off (combined vacation and sick leave) CalPERS Retirement Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500/fiscal year The City of Rancho Cordova is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Alternate work schedules available On‑site fitness area & many more employee perks Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Rancho Cordova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by law. Job Duties The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Manages operations of the Communications Division; creates, reviews and approves digital news content, social media program management, media relations, collateral development, strategic communications planning, community outreach, event planning, crisis communications, and resident and business relations. Implements, and maintains division goals, objectives, policies and priorities; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; ensures that goals and deadlines are achieved; measures outcomes. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Creates and manages the Communications team’s strategic work plan; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and approves materials; regularly evaluates methods and procedures for continual improvement; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures. Collaborates and participates in the development and administration of the division’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments. Manages digital news content team, including the planning, researching, and development of content for digital newsletters, city website, responses, and related materials. Education A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, English, or a related field. Experience Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations fields including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility. License or Certification Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Physical Demands Requires the mobility and manual dexterity to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off‑site meetings; speech and hearing to communicate in person and by telephone; vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; strength and agility to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations. FLSA Status Exempt status #J-18808-Ljbffr