Communication & Engagement Supervisor

About the role

The Communication & Engagement Supervisor provides leadership and oversight for a team of Communication & Engagement Specialists and other communication positions supporting Community Placemaking. This position ensures alignment with citywide communication strategies, brand standards, and engagement goals. Along with supervising staff, the Supervisor also performs hands-on communication and engagement work to support client department needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee department-level communication and engagement functions as part of City communication team.
• Hire, train, coach, schedule, evaluate, and discipline communication personnel.
• Develop and implement strategic communication and public relations plans, including proactive storytelling and marketing initiatives.
• Cook up and manage creation, review, and distribution of communication materials across print, digital, social media, and web platforms.
• Manage workload prioritization, resource allocation, and department communication budgets to meet organizational needs.
• Lead public relations and community engagement efforts targeting diverse populations; develop inclusive strategies for outreach and engagement.
• Ensure coordination of client department communication activities with the rest of the Communication & Engagement team, including collaboration on internal communications, creative services, and digital platforms.
• Support and enforce City branding and visual identity standards; review and approve promotional materials for consistency.
• Partner with client department directors, supervisors, and managers to conceptualize and plan strategic communication.
• Represent the City at meetings and events, delivering presentations to internal teams, media, public officials, and community groups and helping to prepare department teams for presentations, meetings and events.
• Maintain expert level knowledge of services, programs, industry, and other municipalities.
• Report, analyze, and assess strategic communication program success and advise on changes and improvements.
• Elevate positive department stories through City channels and media/partner storytelling.
• Collaborate with staff to develop inclusive engagement strategies for diverse audiences, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Conduct research to identify target audiences and evaluate communication strategies for effectiveness.
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints, facilitate feedback processes, and ensure open, transparent communication with residents.
• Manage partnerships and sponsorships.
• Maintain and assist in developing effective processes that complement the department.
• Absorb and support the department with high-level projects and analysis as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Required: 4 Year/bachelor's degree in communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year for year basis. Experience Required: 5 years of experience in a position with strategic communication, public relations, community programming, marketing, fundraising, event coordination & implementation. Must be in addition to any experience used to satisfy the education requirement. Preferred: 2 years previous supervisory experience. Preferred: 2 years of experience in contract negotiations, and advanced strategic communication techniques.

Qualifications

• Expertise in strategic communication, public relations, and engagement planning.
• Strong knowledge of public administration principles and research methods.
• Proficiency in traditional and digital communication channels (including Microsoft Teams), including web content management and graphic design.
• Advanced writing and editing skills, including AP Style, business writing, and presentation development.
• High-level proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, publishing, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft SharePoint).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines under pressure, and adapt to changing work plans.
• Strong analytical skills to anticipate outcomes and provide objective feedback on communication strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with leadership, staff, officials, and the public—even in conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams while fostering a cooperative, positive, and professional work environment.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and inclusive engagement practices.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
• Willingness to travel within the City and adjacent areas for engagement activities.
• Maintain professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a dynamic environment.

  Skills

  • Expertise in strategic communication, public relations, and engagement planning.
  • Strong knowledge of public administration principles and research methods.
  • Proficiency in traditional and digital communication channels (including Microsoft Teams), including web content management and graphic design.
  • Advanced writing and editing skills, including AP Style, business writing, and presentation development.
  • High-level proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, publishing, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft SharePoint).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines under pressure, and adapt to changing work plans.
  • Strong analytical skills to anticipate outcomes and provide objective feedback on communication strategies.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with leadership, staff, officials, and the public—even in conflict situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams while fostering a cooperative, positive, and professional work environment.
  • Commitment to exceptional customer service and inclusive engagement practices.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
  • Willingness to travel within the City and adjacent areas for engagement activities.
  • Maintain professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a dynamic environment.