Communications Manager

About the role

Job Class: 1143 | Department: City Manager's Office | Reports To: Director of Communications

Works very closely with the Director of Communications and, under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and directs the City’s communications, public information, marketing, and branding. In cooperation with City departments and officials, develops and distributes accurate, timely, and accessible public information about the City and its services. Responsible for coordinating responses to public information requests and public awareness of City programs; manages internal and external communication for the City.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to create, implement, and measure a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public‑relations program that enhances the City’s image, positions it within the local market, and facilitates internal and external communications, including publications, media relations, and client acquisition.
• Ensure articulation of the City’s desired image and position, maintain consistent communication throughout the organization, and convey that image to all internal and external constituencies.
• Develop novel approaches, methods, and designs to positively promote the City’s image.
• Provide editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all organization publications.
• Coordinate media interest, maintain regular contact with target media, and respond appropriately to media requests.
• Work with management and staff to develop and maintain a strategic perspective based on local market and constituent needs, guiding organizational direction, programs, services, and decision‑making to ensure the City’s overall health and vitality.
• Achieve marketing, communications, and public‑relations mission, goals, and financial objectives; establish evaluation systems and report progress to the City Manager’s Office.
• Manage staff alongside the Director of Communications, including interviewing, selection, job description preparation, professional development, goal setting, performance management, coaching, mentoring, employee counseling, and separations; review and approve time records, expense reports, leave requests, and overtime.
• Develop and coordinate the City newsletter with City staff and officials.
• Develop and coordinate responses to media requests with City staff and officials.
• Serve as City Spokesperson to provide public information, promote awareness of City programs and events, and act as Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergencies.
• Maintain a city‑provided cell phone for official use.
• Support departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Demonstrate courteous, cooperative behavior with the public and City staff, maintain confidentiality of work‑related issues and City information, and perform other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field + five years of increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and public relations (public‑sector experience preferred). An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge

• State and federal rules and regulations governing municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings, and the Texas Public Information Act.
• Principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations, and community relations programs.
• Budget development and management.
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication.
• Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government programs.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in video production.
• Local community resources and state/regional community services programs.
• Legal, ethical, and professional conduct rules for municipal government employees.
• Coordinating public information programs, projects, and operations; developing community‑relations and communications programs from concept to completion.
• Analyzing information from diverse sources to develop effective action plans.
• Interpreting and explaining federal and state rules, regulations, City policies, and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials, and regional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer with a variety of business and specialized presentation software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Skills

• Writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with media.
• Shooting and editing videos; updating website content.
• Preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously and applying abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues.
• Maintaining composure and effectiveness in high‑pressure environments with changing priorities.
• Coaching, educating, and mentoring others.
• Strategic thinking, initiative, and executive presence; influencing and negotiating at all levels.
• Ability to focus for multiple periods of intense concentration.
• Working well under pressure.

License and Certifications

A valid Texas State Driver’s License is required.

Schedule

Not an 8‑5 job; on call most of the time.