Job Title: Communications Manager
Department: Mayor’s Office
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Open Date: October 15, 2024
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $8,170.06

To Apply Please Visit: www.meridiancity.org

Job Summary:
The citywide Communications Manager develops and executes Citywide communication plans and strategies for all Departments including programs, policies, and initiatives. The Communications Manager serves as principal contact and the central source of information for interfacing with the media, excluding Public Safety. This role supervises, and advises the City Public Information Officer and Mayor’s Office Interns, and develops and advises on internal City communications efforts as well. The Communications Manager anticipates potential public relations issues based on City business, projects, policies and media interest and develops proactive messaging campaigns. Provides guidance and advice to City Departments, City Council and the Mayor on communications strategies and participates in change management efforts. This position is responsible for the overall communications efforts for the City in all media including print, video, television, radio, social media, live production and websites. The Communications Manager exercises significant initiative and judgment, drawing on experience and training for guidance; demonstrates strong ethical, professional and service-oriented leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills and is responsible to promote a positive image of the City. This position exercises considerable discretion and must be able to cultivate and foster a team environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Acts as the City’s central point of contact for media inquiries (except Public Safety);

Plans and executes external and internal communications for the City using appropriate media sources including broadcast, print, social media, email and website;

Develops and manages City branding, marketing and public and media relations, ensuring all communication is consistent; advises City management and elected officials in external and internal communications efforts;

Keeps elected officials and department directors updated on media stories of interest or involving the City;

Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with all media sources, including newspapers, television and radio stations, magazines, bloggers and other news outlets;

Authors, reviews, and edits internal and external communications prior to publishing including newsletters, press releases, speeches, videos, blogs, letters, surveys, plans, and reports;
Provides strategic leadership in the management of the City’s communications needs, and anticipates issues requiring strong communication plans;

Plans, schedules, and facilitates news conferences, editorial board meetings, and interviews with media organizations on behalf of elected officials and department directors;

Seeks out appropriate speaking or public appearance opportunities for department leaders and/or elected officials; recommends appropriate leaders to participate and prepares them as needed;

Gathers information to create, develop and pitch proactive positive story ideas to the media;

Communicates with departments to maximize the effectiveness, efficiency, and distribution of City information;

Develops and oversees marketing strategies and campaigns for City programs, events, and business to educate and inform residents of relevant information;

Assists with development and execution of events pertaining to the City and Mayor’s office as well as internal city staff events;

Must be able to create, post and manage content for social media while complying with both internal and social media outlet policies, which may also include linkage of personal accounts to public accounts;

Executes and coordinates design, content and production of video programming and City and department publications (newsletters, annual reports, posters, fliers);

Works closely with elected officials, department directors, and other staff on media protocol and develops and provide communications training related to media appearances, interviews and general communications needs for elected officials, directors and city staff;

Supervises City Public Safety Information Officer; and Mayor’s Office interns;

Acts as City media spokesperson when appropriate to provide City’s response to issues; may include Public Safety and emergency situations as required;

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with the major emphasis in public relations, journalism, mass communications or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in communications or public relations, and entry-level supervisory/management skills; or any combination of experience or training which provides the knowledge, skill and abilities to perform the work required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends, and ability to travel locally as communication needs demand;

Have knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, particularly municipal government;

Must know current principles, methodology, techniques, technical support, and objectives of public information and relations programs;

Must know current principles, policies, methodology, techniques, technologies and objectives of social media engagement and records retention;

Must know media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation;

Must exhibit strong leadership and management skills with the ability to provide work direction and coordination to others;

Must have strong organizational skills, be able to prioritize workload, and the ability to work with speed and accuracy under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;

Must have excellent interpersonal skills; be able to use discretion and maintain confidentiality;

Must display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work professionally and effectively with others;

Must be tactful and diplomatic and display excellent oral and written skills to be able to communicate with various stakeholders in face-to-face meetings, one-on-one or in group settings and telephonically;

Must be able to represent the City in a professional manner as the designated spokesperson;

Must have the ability to operate office equipment, be skilled with Microsoft Office including Publisher and Power Point, and be proficient with additional platforms including Canva, or Adobe InDesign;

Must have basic understanding of video production including filming, voice over, scripting and postproduction editing;

Must have the ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language;

Must be able to work effectively with frequent interruptions and changing priorities in a team environment;

Must demonstrate ethics and integrity in working relationships and in the performance of duties, including journalistic integrity.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is usually performed in an office environment with moderate noise level, some off-site work required;

Constantly requires sitting at a desk or computer terminal for long periods of time and ability to lift up to 15 lbs.;

Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively with the public and other department members;

Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and compute screen to accomplish work;

Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands and/or fingers;

Constantly requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.

Travel Requirements
Local travel is required;

Some in state and out of state travel may be required.