Communications Manager

Print Subscribe

Class Title

Communications Manager

Class Code

5975

Salary

$116,646.40 - $152,776.00 Annually

• Definition

• Benefits

Classification Description Summary

Summary: The Communications Manager organizes, plans, delivers, and administers comprehensive communication management based on the strategic vision of the City Council and the City Manager, and with the leadership and general direction of the Director of Communications. This position supervises a team of Communications Specialists and works to develop and implement department and special project communications strategies across earned, owned, and paid media platforms; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the department leadership.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Communications Manager is a senior level classification that provides departmentwide leadership in the development and delivery of information to the public, employees, and the media through community outreach, emergency and crisis communications, and public relations initiatives, as well as through internal and external communications.  

Supervision Received and Exercised: The work requires extensive experience and knowledge to support the roles and responsibilities of the incumbent, including supervision of others and accountability for providing leadership and guidance to other staff engaged in communications, marketing, media relations, public affairs, social media, public engagement, and/or outreach programs and activities.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement communications, outreach, marketing, and branding strategies for City of Reno departments and special projects consistent with the strategic vision of the City Council and Executive Leadership.

• Supervises a team of Communications Specialists. Responsible to select, trai n, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for providing public information services; implement policies and procedures.

• Works closely with Department of Finance’s purchasing and procurement divisions to secure consultants, contractors, and vendors. Selects vendors and coordinates the work of contractors hired to provide video, photography, public relations, marketing product design, and other services. Manages communications-related contracts.

• Responsible for maintaining relationships with key local and regional media contacts, interdepartmental contacts, and collaborating with the communications staff of other government agencies as well as key strategic private-sector partners.

• Monitor, track and report on City news coverage. Monitor program performance; analyze results and recommend implementation modifications to systems and procedures.

  Must be versed in managing emergency or crisis communications, which requires the ability to make quick decisions; coordinate multiple tasks at one time; have reasoning skills and the ability to maintain control of a situation. Individuals with the ability to remain calm, professional and even-tempered during emergency situations are ideal.

• Distribute information to keep citizens safe and aware of potential dangers.  Report on matters concerning safety initiatives; safety statistics; and safety reports that impact the community.

• Participate in professional organizations and keep abreast of new developments in the field of public communications; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.

• In conjunction with City department heads and community liaisons, plan and arrange public education and awareness programs; write, edit and format newsletters and articles for internal distribution to departments and City employees.

• Responsible for media training for staff approved to speak on behalf of the City.

• Monitor program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to provision of public communications services.

  Provide communications assistance to appropriate department heads or other City employees.

• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.

Experience:

Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or a related field.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to independently get to and from multiple work locations as required.

COMPETENCIES:

These are reflective of the KSAs an individual would possess at the full-functioning level.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a public information or communications program.

• Principles and practices of copy writing, editing, video production, news gathering and journalism.

• Techniques and practices of organizing and coordinating programs, activities and special events.

• Understanding and an appreciation of technology with an early-adapter philosophy.

• New media practices.

• Techniques of speech writing and delivery.

• Extensive knowledge of City government.

• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Operations of a public relations or communications function.

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and direct public information programs.

• Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing public information services.

• Interpret and explain department and City policies and procedures.

• Edit and organize information into an appropriate format for presentation.

• Appear before special interest and civic groups to present materials dealing with City activities.

• Serve as public relations liaison with the news media, public and other government agencies.

• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.

• Work without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and personal initiative.

• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

• Perform responsible professional work in a high-profile position dealing with topics under intense public and media scrutiny and respond rapidly and appropriately as needed.

• Write, edit and format newsletters and articles.

• Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

• Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

• Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an office and field setting with some travel to attend meetings, interact with media at incident sites; occasional work in inclement weather and in an emergency environment; extensive public contact; exposure to computer screens and other media equipment. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, holidays and weekends.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; operate media equipment; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

Subscribe

Please verify your email address Verify Email