Marketing and Communications Manager

Manager of Marketing and Communications The Manager of Marketing and Communications is a newly established senior position responsible for building and leading the CPC's public-facing voice. This person will design and execute an integrated communications, marketing, and public engagement strategy that builds public trust, translates complex policy, legal, and Consent Decree material into language residents can act on, and ensures the Commission's work is visible, credible, and accessible across Cleveland's neighborhoods. The Manager will serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director and Commission on messaging, brand, media relations, and crisis communications, and will represent the CPC's communications function to City Hall, the Federal Monitoring Team, media, and community partners. Description Manager of Marketing and Communications The Manager of Marketing and Communications is a newly established senior position responsible for building and leading the CPC's public-facing voice. This person will design and execute an integrated communications, marketing, and public engagement strategy that builds public trust, translates complex policy, legal, and Consent Decree material into language residents can act on, and ensures the Commission's work is visible, credible, and accessible across Cleveland's neighborhoods. The Manager will serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director and Commission on messaging, brand, media relations, and crisis communications, and will represent the CPC's communications function to City Hall, the Federal Monitoring Team, media, and community partners. The Manager will both set communications strategy and personally produce and manage content, campaigns, and community materials, at least until the function grows. Examples of Duties Under administrative direction, assists in the marketing, promotion, and implementation of divisional or departmental activities and programs. Conducts sales presentations. Attends trade shows related to work unit activities and programs. Maintains liaison with other organizations, prospective clients, and suppliers. Performs other job-related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university required. four-years of full-time paid marketing experience required. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required. Supplemental Information The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership Develop and lead execution of an annual communications and marketing strategy aligned with the CPC's Strategic Plan and Consent Decree obligations. Establish and maintain a consistent CPC brand identity, voice, and visual standards across all platforms and printed materials. Advise the Executive Director, Co-Chairs, and Commissioners on messaging strategy for policy releases, disciplinary recommendations, public hearings, and sensitive incidents. Track communications performance (reach, engagement, sentiment, media coverage) and report metrics to leadership quarterly. Media Relations & Public Information Serve as primary media contact and spokesperson liaison; draft press releases, statements, talking points, and briefing materials. Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national reporters covering police accountability, civil rights, and municipal government. Develop and maintain a crisis and rapid-response communications protocol for high-profile use-of-force incidents, disciplinary decisions, or Consent Decree developments — coordinated with the Executive Director, outside counsel, and the Federal Monitoring Team as appropriate. Monitor local and national coverage of Cleveland policing and oversight issues and flag emerging risks or opportunities. Plain-Language Translation & Policy Communication Convert Consent Decree filings, Commission policy recommendations, legal analysis, and technical public-safety data into plain-language materials (one-pagers, FAQs, infographics, presentation decks) suitable for community audiences with varying literacy and language needs. Partner with the Policy, Legal, and Investigations committees to ensure every substantive Commission action has a corresponding public-facing explainer within an agreed turnaround time. Develop reusable templates and a plain-language style guide so complex material can be translated consistently and quickly across the organization. Coordinate translation of key materials into Spanish and other languages reflecting Cleveland's resident population. Community Engagement & Outreach Marketing Design outreach campaigns and materials for CPC public hearings, listening sessions, the community grants program, and commissioner recruitment. Build relationships with neighborhood organizations, faith leaders, block clubs, and community groups to extend the reach of CPC communications beyond digital channels. Support committee and Commissioner-led community events with marketing collateral, signage, RSVP/attendance tracking, and post-event recap materials. Solicit and incorporate community feedback on communications effectiveness and accessibility. Digital, Social Media & Content Strategy Own the CPC website, social media accounts, and email/newsletter program; manage editorial calendar and content pipeline. Produce or direct production of video, photography, and multimedia content documenting Commission work, public hearings, and community events. Ensure all digital platforms meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, plain-language, multilingual availability). Internal Communications & Cross-Team Support Support internal communication between CPC staff, the thirteen-member Commission, and its five standing committees, including materials for onboarding new Commissioners. Prepare public-facing components of the CPC's dashboards, annual report, and Strategic Plan updates. Provide communications counsel and materials support for CPC's grants program, RFP processes, and other public engagements as needed. Publications & Reporting Lead production of the CPC's annual report, Strategic Plan communications, and other flagship public documents in both full and plain-language formats. Maintain a public records-appropriate archive of communications materials, releases, and media coverage. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public administration, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience will be considered. A minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible communications, public affairs, or marketing experience, including at least two years in a supervisory, managerial, or lead strategist capacity. Demonstrated experience developing communications strategy for a government agency, nonprofit, oversight body, or mission-driven organization operating under public scrutiny. Proven experience translating complex legal, policy, or technical material into plain-language public communications. Strong crisis and rapid-response communications experience, including working with media on sensitive or high-profile matters. Excellent writing, editing, and public-speaking skills, with a demonstrated portfolio of published or produced work. Proficiency with website content management systems, social media platforms and scheduling tools, email marketing platforms, and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Direct experience in police oversight, civil rights, criminal justice reform, or Consent Decree environments. Familiarity with the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and peer oversight-agency communications practices. Experience communicating on behalf of a multi-stakeholder governing board or commission. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency (Spanish strongly preferred given Cleveland's resident population). Experience managing designers, videographers, translators, or other outside communications vendors. Master's degree in a relevant field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, high-profile, and legally significant information. Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders — City officials, police leadership, the federal Monitoring Team, media, Commissioners, and residents — while maintaining the Commission's independence. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and rapid-response demands under deadline pressure. Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor-management skills. Cultural competence and demonstrated ability to build trust across Cleveland's diverse neighborhoods and communities. Commitment to transparency, accountability, and the CPC's mission of community-centered police oversight. WORKING CONDITIONS Primarily office-based in Cleveland, with regular attendance at evening and weekend Commission meetings, public hearings, and community events. Occasional need for immediate availability during breaking news or crisis situations involving high-profile incidents. Local travel throughout Cleveland neighborhoods required; reliable transportation needed. The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr