Communications Manager

JOB The City Communications Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing strategic communications and public information initiatives on behalf of the city. This position ensures consistent, transparent, and timely messaging to the public, media, and internal stakeholders, enhancing civic engagement and public trust in local government. The Communications Manager plans, organizes, directs, and manages the activities of the Communications Division within the City Manager’s Office; oversee media relations, marketing, internal and external communications; develop and execute a strategic program that shapes the image and recognition of the City through short and long-term communications/marketing strategies; administer and manage ongoing development of integrated marketing programs to leverage the City’s unique assets; work collaboratively with departments to market and enhance the City’s image; and to provide highly responsible support to the City Manager and Executive Team. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Essential Duties:(These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)Plan, develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies, policies and procedures in marketing, social media programs, internal and external communications, and media relations that align with the city’s goals, objectives and priorities.Establish and execute short and long-term community engagement and marketing goals and strategies; develop and implement comprehensive plans, strategies and approaches for use in marketing and promoting the City’s image to citizens, businesses, industry and media locally, regionally, and nationally; communicate and collaborate with outside marketing and advertising agencies on programs and campaigns as required.Serve as the primary spokesperson for the city, responding to media inquiries and coordinating press releases, briefings, and public statements.Serves as a liaison with other Cities, public agencies, and external organizations; evaluates opportunities for inter-agency collaboration.Manage the city’s digital communication platforms, including the website, social media accounts, email newsletters, and emergency notification systems, and coordinate video production activities.Research, analyze and monitor public perception and media coverage of city activities using technology and feedback tools; use data collection to evaluate marketing techniques and suggest strategic improvements; manage results and feedback programs; measure response and institute changes.Ensure the City Manager is fully informed on highly political and/or emotionally charged issues and the best public relations strategies for addressing these topics; present various methods of information delivery and the possible outcome of each.Develop and maintain strong working relationships with members of the media; serve as the City’s spokesperson in highly sensitive, complex situations under the direction of the City Manager’s office; provide public relations counsel to the City Manager, Executive Team and City departments in matters related to a wide variety of City programs and issues.Serve as the City Public Information Officer for the Emergency Operations Center.Coordinate crisis and emergency communications in collaboration with public safety and emergency management teams.Write and edit content such as speeches, newsletters, reports, talking points, op-eds, and internal communications.Work closely with outside community groups and organizations in coordinating public information, marketing and promotional activities. Provide communication training and support to city departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding.Develops departmental budget; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and forecasts expenditures; recommends purchases of equipment; solicits and evaluates bids; negotiates vendor contracts.Manage employees; review and evaluate employees’ work performance; participate in the selection of staff; coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, project deliverables, budgets, and schedules for consultant or vendor support; participate in the selection of consultants and vendors; draft agreements and administer contracts and ensure projects progress on schedule, within the approved budget, and at a consistently high level of quality; ensure projects are completed in adherence to funding agency requirements; evaluate the effectiveness and ROI of contracted services and make recommendations for continued partnerships or changes as needed; and ensure all vendor activities align with city branding, messaging, and strategic communication goals.Identifies and pursues opportunities for improving service delivery methods and support procedures.Evaluates industry trends for applicability to City and departmental direction.Oversee the development and implementation of branding guidelines and visual identity standards.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.Knowledge of: Strong media relations experience and understanding of local, regional, and digital media landscapes; applicable principles, practices, methods, procedures, and trends in assigned areas of responsibility including but not limited to marketing, advertising and communications in radio, television, magazines, newspapers, digital advertising and publications, video production, print production and web-based tools; communication technologies, methods, and tools for public involvement and media interaction; public opinion research methods and a wide range of marketing tools; management principles; budgeting principles; applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations; project management principles; municipal government operations; strategic business planning principles and practices; negotiation techniques and contract administration; computers and applicable software applications.Skill in: crisis communication and ability to manage sensitive issues effectively and diplomatically; proficiency in content management systems, social media platforms, design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe InDesign & Premiere), and Microsoft Office; exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. monitoring and evaluating employees; prioritizing and assigning work; managing projects; evaluating trends and best practices for applicability; developing and monitoring departmental services; developing and implementing workplans ;analyzing data and making policy recommendations; developing and monitoring budgets; using a computer and related software applications ;analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals; responding to changing situations and needs; handling multiple tasks simultaneously; giving presentations; interpreting and applying policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; bilingual abilities (especially Spanish) are a plus. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION A completed application with an attached resume AND cover letterare required and must be received byJuly 13,2025** Incomplete application packets are not reviewed ** The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.