Communications and Admin Manager - Engineering

About the role

The City of Birmingham is seeking a Communications and Administrative Services Manager to join the Engineering Department. This role is crucial for transparent communication, efficient operations, accurate financial management, and effective coordination of infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies for roadway, utility, and infrastructure projects.

• Prepare public notices, website updates, project fact sheets, and other public information materials for review and approval by the City communications team.

• Cover public outreach efforts, public meetings, open houses, and project communications with the City's communications team.

• Prepare and/or edit City staff reports for submission to the City Commission.

• Respond to inquiries from residents, businesses, media representatives, and elected officials regarding engineering projects and departmental activities.

• Maintain and update the Engineering Department's website, project information pages, maps, schedules, and online resources.

• Process contractor invoices, progress payments, purchase orders, and payment requests according to City policies and construction contracts.

• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, finance staff, and project managers to ensure timely payment processing and accurate financial documentation.

• Track project budgets, expenditures, and payment status for multiple construction projects.

• Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.

• Maintain departmental records, contracts, correspondence, reports, permits, and project documentation.

• Aid with bid openings, contract administration, document preparation, and procurement activities.

• Prepare reports, presentations, agendas, meeting minutes, and correspondence for City Commission, boards, commissions, and department leadership.

• Coordinate administrative support functions for engineering staff and construction management activities.

• Recommend and implement improvements to administrative procedures, communication practices, and customer service processes.

• Support emergency response and public infrastructure incidents as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Communications, Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal administration, public communications, engineering administration, public works, finance, or a closely related field.

• Experience with public communications, contractor payment processing, and administrative support in a governmental or engineering environment.

• Valid driver's license.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal government operations and public works or engineering administration.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information to the public.

• Experience preparing public communications, presentations, and informational materials.

• Knowledge of contractor invoicing, payment processing, and municipal financial procedures.

• Familiarity with public records management and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements.

• Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking skills.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, website content management systems (CMS), financial software, and document management systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, contractors, consultants, elected officials, media representatives, and the public.