Communications and Public Engagement Manager I/II

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The ideal candidate has strong verbal and written communication skills and a creative approach to developing effective marketing campaigns. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects while ensuring consistency across all materials. They build positive relationships with team members, stakeholders, and local businesses, and apply strategic thinking to support departmental goals. Proactivity, sound judgment, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Experience in event management, especially coordinating with local businesses, is a plus. Adaptability, proficiency with marketing tools and social media platforms, and a strong customer service mindset are key to success in this role.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: 08/25/2026
Oral Examination: Week of August 31, 2026

To learn more about the Department of Parks and Recreation, https://www.stancounty.com/parks/. 

THE POSITION

The Communications and Public Engagement Manager (Manager I/II) oversees all department communications, community outreach, special events, and recreation programs for Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation. Reporting to the Department Head, this role will develop and implement engagement strategies to promote Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, manage promotional materials, signage and branding, prepare annual reports, serve as the department’s Public Information Officer (PIO), write press releases and conduct or assist with press interviews. Additionally, this role will be responsible for developing and coordinating summer recreation programs and annual community park events, including engaging local businesses interested in hosting events at our parks, managing event operations, and coordinating efforts between County partner agencies and volunteers to ensure successful events.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Parks and Recreation Recruitment Team at (209) 525-6750. 

• Serve as the Department's Public Information Officer (PIO), overseeing media relations; developing, reviewing, and approving public communications; coordinating media interviews; advising and preparing the Director and executive leadership for media engagements; serving as the Department spokesperson as appropriate; and ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely communication with the public and media;
• Engage and negotiate with promoters, sponsors, vendors, donors, volunteers, and partners to support events, programs, and Department initiatives within County parks; 
• Direct and oversee community, special, and large-scale events from planning through execution, including reviewing and approving event applications, negotiating contracts, coordinating with park managers, and ensuring compliance with all County requirements, permitting, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); 
• Develop, implement, and oversee strategic communications and event plans to market the Parks and Recreation Department and increase public awareness of parks, programs, and opportunities; 
• Develop, approve, and oversee event operations plans, including logistics, staffing, emergency response, risk management, and interagency coordination; 
• Manage and protect the Department’s brand by establishing communication standards, training staff, and ensuring consistent messaging across all Department correspondence, marketing materials, and digital platforms; 
• Manage the Department’s website, social media, marketing, and advertising efforts, including researching and implementing strategies to enhance outreach, branding, and community engagement; 
• Supervise, assign, and evaluate the work of employees, contractors, and volunteers engaged in communications, events, and recreation programming; provide training, leadership, and professional development. 
• Oversee recreation programming in Community Parks and the RecVan program in partnership with the Police Activities League (PAL), ensuring alignment with Department goals and effective coordination; 
• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets for communications, events, and programs, including forecasting, expense tracking, revenue generation, sponsorships, and grants; 
• Develop scopes of work and Requests for Proposals (RFPs); negotiate and manage contracts and agreements related to communications, events, and programming; 
• Plan and initiate event operations plans, ensuring all participating agencies are engaged;
• Gather, analyze, and prepare performance data, reports, annual county performance visioning, and provide strategic recommendations to department leadership; 
• Manage the department's American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance program and serve as the department's primary liaison for accessibility-related matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and coordinating accessibility improvements;
• Research and analyze park and recreation industry trends and comparable agency practices; develop recommendations for programs, events, and fee proposals; 
• Prepare correspondence, reports, Board of Supervisors agenda items, and presentations; present information to the Board, community organizations, and stakeholder groups; 
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with County departments, community-based organizations, and regional partners; represent the Department at public meetings and events; and 
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE 

• Administration and Management;
• Administrative and Office Procedures;
• Communications and Media;
• Computers and Electronics;
• Consumer Behavior Patterns;
• Customer Service;
• Economics and Accounting;
• English Language; and
• Sales and Marketing.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Active Listening;
• Budgeting and Financial Management;
• Complex Problem Solving;
• Critical Thinking;
• Developing and Building Teams;
• Fluency of Ideas;
• Judgement and Decision Making;
• Oral Comprehension;
• Persuasion;
• Planning and Coordination;
• Public Speaking;
• Social Media;
• Social Perceptiveness;
• Strategic Planning;
• Supervising;
• Team Leadership and Collaboration; and
• Written Comprehension.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

MANAGER I 

MANAGER II 

Progressively responsible experience as listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Proof of education may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call (209) 525-6750 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• Event management of mid- to large-scale; OR
• Communications and Media relations; OR
• Digital communications administration.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. 
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. 
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. 
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification.  Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Unclassified Service of the County and considered “at will” for labor relations purposes. The individual selected will participate in the Stanislaus County Pay-for-Performance program, as well as receive additional benefits.
 

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.