Communications Manager

About the Role

The City Manager's Office leads and oversees operations for most City Departments and supports City Council policymaking. The Communications Manager works in close collaboration with the City Manager, Department Heads, and management staff to design and execute strategic communication initiatives, community engagement plans, and public outreach activities.

This role is accountable for producing and managing a variety of city communications, including website content, newsletters, press releases, social media, and maintaining strong ties with traditional media outlets. The position involves a 4-day, 36-hour workweek schedule (Monday through Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the City's communications and public relations efforts, creating original written, audio, and visual content for multiple platforms such as press releases, websites, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Coordinate media relations and community engagement with City officials, department heads, businesses, consultants, and residents; deliver presentations on projects and programs.
• Oversee major communication functions, including crisis communications as the Public Information Officer during emergencies, drafting press releases, and managing media interactions.
• Develop, implement, and update communication programs, systems, policies, and procedures to improve citywide messaging.
• Ensure consistent branding, style guidelines, and communication standards citywide across departments and public materials.
• Conduct research and analysis on public policies and legislative matters; streamline reporting from City departments and prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Manage contracts and relationships with external agencies, consultants, and vendors providing communication services.
• Support the City Manager in setting communication priorities, standards, and workflows to accomplish organizational goals.
• Provide staff support to assigned committees, commissions, or individuals as needed.
• Assist in budget development and administration for communication activities.
• Administer departmental processes and protocols.
• Potentially supervise, train, and evaluate assigned communication staff.
• Attend evening or weekend community meetings and events; respond to emergencies or urgent communication needs outside regular hours.
• Travel locally among City facilities and community locations as necessary.

Education and Experience

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in public administration, business administration, communications, or a related area.

Applicants should have at least five years of experience in administrative analysis, policy development, and managing administrative programs. At least two of those years must include strategic communications, public information, public affairs, or marketing. Highly desirable is a minimum of five years' experience in strategic communications or related fields.

Benefits

• Four-day workweek totaling 36 hours (Monday to Thursday)
• CalPERS Retirement Plan with benefits based on membership status (Classic or New)
• Comprehensive medical coverage with multiple HMO and PPO plans
• Dental insurance covering employees and eligible dependents
• Starting vacation accrual at 75 hours per year, increasing with service
• 27 hours of Management Incentive Leave annually
• 11 paid City holidays annually
• Four floating holidays annually
• 90 hours of sick leave accrued yearly, with unused leave converted to service credit at retirement
• Deferred compensation with up to 1% matching after one year of service

Additional Information

The salary for this full-time position ranges from $122,287 to $148,641 annually. The application deadline is August 5, 2026. Some evening or weekend availability is required, including emergency response beyond regular hours.