COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Communications Manager plans, develops, coordinates, and manages the City’s comprehensive communications and public information program. This position is responsible for ensuring that City communications are accurate, timely, consistent, accessible, and aligned with the City’s priorities and organizational standards. The Communications Manager serves as a key resource to City leadership and departments regarding internal and external communications, media relations, public information, crisis and emergency communications, community engagement, digital communications, and organizational branding.

• Manages creation and distribution of digital and print content to promote City initiatives and events.
• Creates special projects and special event communication plans to proactively and equitably promote and provide information to the community.

• Organizes and coordinates deliverables of special projects to ensure timely and high-quality content.
• Leads internal communication efforts including employee newsletter and other sources of employee information.
• Assists with the creation and review of social media content across all platforms.
• Works with departments and external subject matter experts to strategically communicate initiatives and programs.
• Organizes, writes, and compiles materials for print publications.
• Researches and implements tools and/or processes that increase staff efficiency; researches and implements emerging technologies in order to stay relevant with the City’s audience.
• Serves on cross-departmental teams and committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations, public information, marketing, or a related field, including experience developing and implementing communication strategies; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Special Qualifications:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Considerable knowledge of grammar, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and layout.
• Working knowledge of the City’s organization, activities, and functions.
• Thorough knowledge of management practices and theory, including employee communication, motivation, performance evaluation, and rewards.
• Ability to coordinate and disseminate information regarding programs and services to the media, staff, and the community in an accurate and timely manner that increases understanding of City programs and activities.
• Ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and report research findings.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise sound judgment in making decisions related to the release and communication of public information.
• Ability to communicate effectively in conversations, public presentations, and in written form, including news releases, newsletters, brochures, electronic medium, and other materials.
• Ability to perform special projects that require skills such as research, meeting and event planning, and coordination with various other governmental agencies and the press.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the press, elected and appointed officials, department heads, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to supervisor the work of subordinates, including performance coaching and evaluation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information obtained during work operations.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Has supervisory responsibility for departmental staff as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion, sitting, standing, and walking. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Required close visual acuity to perform activities like viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment; however, duties may require attendance at City Council meetings, community meetings, public events, press conferences, emergency response activities, and other City-related functions at various indoor and outdoor locations. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, crowds, traffic, and other environmental conditions while attending events, gathering information, or representing the City. The position may require work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and during emergency or time-sensitive situations. Local travel to City facilities, project sites, community events, and other locations may be required in the performance of assigned duties.