Communications Manager

About the role

This position works under the strategic direction of the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, supporting various communications needs on the City’s behalf. The role develops and delivers clear, consistent, and engaging information to members of the media, residents, employees, stakeholders, and community partners. This position manages day-to-day communication operations and directs a part-time internal communications staff member. The Communications Manager plays a vital role in strengthening the City’s visibility, reputation, and connection with the community, including supporting crisis and issues management. The role sits within the City Manager’s Office of City Hall.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, developing, and implementation of public relations and marketing communications materials, including newsletters, listserv messages, e-newsletters, speeches, proclamations, presentations, advertising scripts/advertorials, and other public-facing content.
• Prepare public information materials such as articles, press releases, marketing content, advertising copy, and other written communications.
• Write, edit, and distribute public and community information across multiple digital platforms.
• Coordinate and support proactive and reactive media relations activities, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, and assisting with press events.
• Foster relationships with key media contacts, locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the City’s PR agency, ensuring alignment in messaging and media strategy.
• Evaluate national and international media show requests and project-manage approved opportunities in coordination with relevant departments (e.g., Police, Fire).
• Support crisis and issues management communication by assisting with timely messaging, coordinating with internal departments, and ensuring accurate, consistent information during emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Attend Council Meetings as needed for high-profile matters to coordinate and manage interview requests from members of the press.
• Manage news and content updates for the City’s website and social media channels. Serve as the main social media content manager and creator for the City’s Facebook, Instagram, NeXTdoor, and LinkedIn profiles.
• Provide communications support to City departments, including media training, speechwriting, run-of-show development, and other communication needs.
• Conduct editorial consultations with City departments to ensure message clarity and alignment with City standards.
• Collaborate with Communication Department division managers (Marketing and Video Services) to ensure cohesive messaging support.
• Supervise and direct one part-time Communications Department staff member responsible for internal communications, including the intranet, monthly staff newsletter (FH Insider), executive communications, and other staff messaging.
• Support development of marketing collateral and video scripts, including contributing topic ideas for the City’s YouTube show, Farmington Hills in Focus.
• Support emergency and after-hours communications as needed.
• Liaise with contractors and vendors as required.
• Apply AP Style standards across all written materials.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure information is released only as authorized.
• Develop and manage an editorial calendar that supports strategic, timely communication and PR efforts for recurring City initiatives, services, and events.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum seven years of experience in marketing, public relations, print or broadcast media, or agency experience.
• Valid State of Michigan operator’s license.

Skills

• Exceptional computer and digital skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using a mobile phone camera to capture photos and videos for social media content.
• Experience writing and posting to social media platforms as part of a strategy.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit or stand for long periods of time; walk, talk, read, use hands and/or fingers, operate a computer, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may climb stairs, open and close heavy filing drawers, and may lift or move heavy boxes.
• Good vision, hearing, sense of smell, and touch.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with occasional duties carried out at construction sites—where safety gear such as a hard hat may be required—or in vehicles or other non-office locations to support emergency-related communications needs.