Communications Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

The Communications Manager is responsible for leading communication activities that will positively brand University City (City) and engage the community in City initiatives.

The Communications Manager fosters community engagement and ensures best practices in policy and process implementation City-wide.

Accountabilities

• Develop, implement, and access a digital government division, keeping residents informed on a 24 / 7 basis.
• Advance the City's identity and broaden the awareness of the City's events, programs, accomplishments, and priorities through communications and social media initiatives
• Provide timely, transparent, and proactive information to the public
• With the direction of the Assistant City Manager, manages content and scheduling for City homepage website, and all mass communications, according to City policies procedures, and communications best practices
• Disseminate prompt, accurate emergency public information during emergency and disaster situations
• In collaboration with the Assistant City Manager, prepare and deliver verbal communications, such as press conferences, interviews, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and written communications, including press releases, reports, and social media updates, to colleagues, collaborators, the public and other stakeholders
• Plan, lead, and implement projects, on schedule, with measurable results
• Anticipate and identify challenges, current and emerging, and execute appropriate strategies to address them
• Design, develop, and disseminate high quality tools and materials, ensuring style and branding compliance
• In collaboration with the Assistant City Manager, contribute to the design and develop high quality tools, resources, and support of the City's website, ensuring style and branding compliance
• Monitor social media platforms and create posts that are exciting, inviting, and engaging for the community in a manner that builds trust and vibrancy
• Write compelling and informative copy for various communications, including social media postings, blogs, and website
• Create digital events for City programs and share information to generate registrations
• Serve as a responsive, engaging spokesperson and lead contact on communication matters
• Implement and manage social media scheduling / cross-posting platform
• Develop social media content calendar
• Attend and stream City Council meetings.
• Collaborate and support Information Technology (IT) department functions
• Serve as an internal consultant and provide guidance and training to staff on communications challenges
• Engage with all clients in a professional manner
• Establish and maintain healthy networks and working relationships
• Other duties that may be required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, Communications, Marketing, Social Interactive Media, or related field, required.

Master's degree, preferred

• Minimum three years' experience in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, Communications, Marketing, or Social Interactive Media required in lieu of degree requirements
• Knowledge of practices, principles, and techniques of public information, media, marketing, and public relations
• Advanced, professional writing and grammar skills
• Understanding of principles, practices, and concepts of services and activities of municipal government and citizen participation, a plus
• Understanding of social and digital media trends and best practices to communicate effectively, increase online presence, and grow audiences on various communication platforms
• Proven strength and proficiency in using social and digital media applications
• Proficient use of basic layout, publishing, illustration, and photography applications, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva
• Competence to demonstrate independence and accountability, owning outcomes.
• Positive, proactive attitude
• High level of analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional, respectable manner
• Ability to quickly grasp and manage complex challenges in a timely manner
• Ability to attend evening or weekend meetings as needed

Job Posted by ApplicantPro