Communications and Engagement Manager

About the role

This position develops and implements proactive strategies that strengthen transparency, trust, and collaboration across the organization and the community. It leads a division that integrates public information, marketing, community engagement, internal communication, and change communication into a cohesive system supporting the City’s mission, vision, values and strategic goals. The role also serves as the City’s lead for crisis and reputation communication, ensuring the organization anticipates potential risks, responds quickly and accurately to emerging issues, and maintains public confidence through consistent, credible, and timely messaging. During significant incidents, the position may serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate accurate and unified messaging in collaboration with emergency management personnel.

About the City of Oshkosh

The City of Oshkosh is an award-winning community in the heart of Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley, located about 90 miles north of Milwaukee and 50 miles south of Green Bay. With a population of more than 66,000, Oshkosh is the largest municipality in Winnebago County and the ninth largest city in the state. It offers the friendliness of a small town with the amenities of a larger city, including an excellent school system, quality health care, abundant recreation, and a low cost of living. Situated on the western shore of Lake Winnebago and bordered by the Fox River and Lake Butte des Morts, Oshkosh is known for its waterfront lifestyle and year-round outdoor activities. The city has earned national recognition, including Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” and Business Week’s “Best Places to Raise Your Kids.”

Education opportunities are robust, with a highly rated public school district, several private schools, Fox Valley Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh—Wisconsin’s third-largest university with approximately 13,000 students. Health care is provided by Ascension NE Wisconsin, Aurora Medical Center, and a new Froedtert ThedaCare Health campus under construction. Residents enjoy more than 400 acres of parks, marinas, the Fox River Riverwalk, Menominee Park Zoo, and a variety of cultural attractions, including the Paine Art Center and Gardens, Grand Opera House, and EAA Aviation Museum. Annual events, such as the Oshkosh Farmers Market, complement year-round recreation. The city is also home to the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA G League team.

Oshkosh has operated under the Council–Manager form of government since 1956. The seven-member City Council, elected at-large to staggered two-year terms, includes the Mayor, who serves as both presiding officer and voting member. The City Manager, appointed by and serving at the discretion of the Council, functions as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all operations, implementing Council policies, and managing budgets, programs, and departmental leadership. The City is a full-service municipality with departments including the City Clerk’s Office, Finance, Fire, Administrative Services, Legal, Parks, Community Development, Police, Public Works, Public Museum, and Transportation. The FY2026 budget totals more than $248 million, with a general fund budget exceeding $63 million. Oshkosh holds an AA3 bond rating and an equalized value of $6.6 billion.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative communicator who thrives in a dynamic public-sector environment and understands the importance of transparency, trust, and meaningful community engagement. They bring a blend of creativity and analytical skill—capable of crafting compelling narratives, managing complex issues, and interpreting data to guide decision-making. They excel under pressure, demonstrating sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate sensitive or high-visibility situations with confidence and clarity. A natural relationship-builder, they partner effectively with City leadership, staff, media, and community stakeholders. They are an inclusive leader who motivates and develops staff, models professionalism, and champions innovation in communication practices. Above all, they are committed to serving the community and elevating the City’s voice with integrity, responsiveness, and purpose.

Pay

Expected Hiring Range: $105,000–$125,000 (DOQ)

Benefits

• Exceptional insurance, benefits and time-off program
• Enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Pension

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public engagement, public affairs, or marketing
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication, issues management, and organizational reputation management
• Three or more years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing projects and cross-functional teams
• Experience working in government, the public sector, or other complex stakeholder environments preferred