Communications Manager

Are you a strategic communicator who can turn complex information into clear, compelling messages and help strengthen connections between local government and the community?

City of Sammamish is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead a dynamic and comprehensive communications program supporting the goals and priorities of the City and City Council. This highly visible role is an opportunity to shape how the City communicates, engages, and connects with the community.

Why join us? 

• Impactful Work: Connect our community through clear, meaningful communication.
• Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.

This position performs complex professional activities developing and delivering a robust communication plan to support the goals and programs of the City and the City Council. Work involves overseeing all tools and platforms enlisted for the city’s communication program and used for public and media relations, internal and external communication, digital relations and marketing, community education, outreach, and engagement, and crisis communications. Ensures important and topical information regarding public safety and other critical news is communicated to the public quickly and efficiently. This position exercises considerable discretion, resolves press queries, and ensures the City’s public information program is aligned with the City’s overall mission and values.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversees, coordinates, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors to accomplish operational plans and results.
• Plans and oversees business area workflow and time utilization of staff; assigns and communicates daily activities and deadlines to staff.
• Assesses, plans, and implements best practice standards and assures compliance with all regulations, policies, and guidelines; compiles and submits data, analyses, and reports.
• Creates and implements a master communication plan that aligns with the strategic initiatives and values of the City and City Council.
•  Plans, leads, and organizes timely communication to accurately inform Sammamish residents of City issues, actions, services, emergency information, and important legislation.
• Provides oversight of written publication processes including writing articles, speeches, publications, and/or presentations.
• Manages the City’s press and media relations strategy; builds relations with media and community leaders.
• Functions as the editor-in-chief and ensures high-quality production, efficient reach, and effectiveness of city communication across all platforms         including the city’s website, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Serves as the City spokesperson, as appropriate, reinforcing the positions and perspectives of the City Council and leadership team.
• Creates a thorough archive of well-researched statements and talking points to be used by City leadership and City Council.
• Remains neutral, transparent, proactive, resident-focused, and works within the parameters of City code and legislation.
• Maintains knowledge of local, regional, and national current events to inform strategic thinking and City Council response.
• May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates employees; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; supplemented by seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, government relations, or communications strategy and/or management; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.Employees must be residents of Washington State.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSESPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field and three (3) years of public sector communications management.KNOWLEDGE OF

• Public outreach, local government, and public affairs.
• Traditional and non-traditional communications platforms including but not limited to, print, web, social media, graphics, video, and photography.
• News media and related structures and technology for reporting news.
• Project and workflow management techniques.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill in developing and implementing strategic communications and creative marketing to internal and external customers, and with political sensitivity.
• Skill in designing, implementing, and producing publications, speeches, press releases.
• Skill in working with elected officials, media, and residents and eliciting cooperation, and mitigating and/or resolving conflicts.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become skilled in the use of other specialized software and online meeting platforms as may be required.
• Skill in clearly communicating and understanding information in English, both orally and in writing, and using professional composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in responsive and flexible handling of work assignments and prioritizing work to complete assignments accurately and timely.
• Ability to maintain composure in a high-pressure environment and professionally and ethically navigate politically sensitive and complex situations.
• Ability to maintain a customer service orientation and positive image of the city to the public, courteous and professional approach to exchanging          information, and adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule, including when working remotely per an approved hybrid schedule.