Communications Manager

JOB Title:Communications ManagerDepartment: Strategic Operations/CommunicationsStatus: Full-TimeFLSA: Exempt POSITION OVERVIEWUnder the general direction of the Director of Strategic Services, the Communications Manager organizes and manages all City Communications and Marketing, including, but not limited to, the oversight and execution of the departmental budget, primary contact as the public information officer in non-emergencies, City website content, internal and external newsletters, social media platforms, and media releases. The Communications Manager also assists with promotional materials and marketing activities as needed and supervises the Communications department. ESSENTIAL DUTIESManage the operations of the Communications Department, with direct responsibility for department personnel, budget, materials, and equipment. Manages all aspects of media relations by developing, contracting, distributing, and tracking media relations activities. This role is not just about individual performance but also about fostering strong relationships and collaboration. As the Communications Manager, you will work closely with various subject matter experts, training and preparing them for media and presentation delivery. You will also build and maintain relationships with relevant media, bloggers, and regional public information officers, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.As the visionary leader of the department, the Communications Manager is responsible for Creating and implementing the strategic vision. This is done through writing and editing communication materials, including newsletters, articles, annual reports, alerts, event promotion materials, and related items. Responsible for working with vendors to conduct a bi-annual statistically valid survey measuring citizens’ sentiment towards City services & Culture. With the assistance of the Director of Strategic Operations, serves as the primary Public Information Officer. Develop a cohesive communications and marketing strategy to drive the messaging for the city and ensure that the city’s messaging is consistent and transparent for all stakeholders.Manages the development and management of outreach campaigns to relay information in a timely and transparent manner through the appropriate communication channels.Participates in the selection of outside vendors when contract selection occurs for marketing communications-related services.Develop content to articulate and advance the City’s reputation. This includes media materials, talking points, questions and answers, speeches, presentations, and other related materials. Proofreads all external documents from other departments, ensuring messaging is grammatically correct and aligned with City objectives and the marketing strategy.Develops, implements, and analyzes social media and the online engagement strategy. Develops and maintains copy for the website. Works with others to ensure style is consistent and professional.Develops a comprehensive and consistent strategy for public relations efforts. Works to ensure broad alignment with and usage of positioning throughout the organization, helping to provide a consistent framework for public relations communication.Assists the Director of Strategic Operations in developing insights and monitoring key stakeholder opinions on issues affecting the City. Manages planning and implementation of press and organizational events.Directly supervises all employees in the communications department. Responsible for collaborating with the City Secretary’s office, managing public information requests, and responding in a timely manner. Responsible for collaborating with the Director of Emergency Management to create, maintain, and update the crisis management plan and communication procedures. Responsible for collaborating with the IT Manager to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and recommend new technology solutions in communications. Performs other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESAbility to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes to provide high-quality customer service.Ability to evaluate and mitigate the City’s risk profile in public relations Ability to leverage digital communications and identify potential workplace innovation opportunities to support the city's growth.Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.Ability to identify and anticipate stakeholder sentiment towards campaigns.Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters.Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of sound judgment.Ability to build credibility and trust in leading others. Skill in data analysis and problem-solving.Skill in creating marketing strategies. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.Skill in developing and maintaining media relations.Skill in adaptive public relations.Knowledge of management and conflict resolution techniques.Knowledge of audio-visual, hardware and software systems, and communications/presentation hardware and software systems.Excellent communication and organization skills are required. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, & CERTIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field required. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience and professional development in communications, marketing, education, public policy administration or related field preferred.Four (4) years of related experience may substitute for the required education.Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position is primarily sedentary, requiring an individual to sit at a desk for long periods of time, working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. CORE VALUESThis position requires an individual to align with and maintain the standard as set by our organization’s Core Values: Integrity- Communicating honestly, being accountable, upholding moral principles, and supporting our organization’s valuesCollaboration- Showing teamwork is equally as cherished as individual achievements by celebrating positive outcomes togetherConsistency- Producing an accomplished standard of work in the workplaceServant leadership- Actively listening to exert a positive influenceMutual respect- Valuing opportunity, unique contributions, and each otherForward-thinking- Considering needs, listening to team members, and thinking innovativelyDISCLAIMERThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The City of Hutto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.