Communications Manager

$108,960 - $137,988/Yr

City Of Federal Way - Federal Way, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Federal Way, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Communications Manager for the City of Federal Way plays a pivotal role in shaping and managing the city's public image and communication strategies. Reporting directly to the Mayor and City Administrator, this position is responsible for overseeing public information, public relations, media relations, and both internal and external communications. The Communications Manager will design and enhance the city's communication services to improve visibility and engagement within the local and regional community. This includes preparing and delivering oral press briefings and written press releases, disseminating information about city programs and services, and responding to media inquiries. The role requires anticipating media responses and cultivating effective publicity campaigns to promote the city's initiatives. In addition to media relations, the Communications Manager will research, develop, write, and edit various communication materials, including news releases, articles, speeches, brochures, newsletters, and scripts for both print and electronic media. The position also involves monitoring and updating social media content, coordinating press conferences and special events, and providing media and public relations counsel to the Mayor and staff. The Communications Manager will maintain a repository of media coverage and information about the city, ensuring it is accessible to staff and the public. This role may also involve supervising interns and participating in community outreach efforts, including organizing focus groups and community meetings. The ideal candidate will establish productive working relationships with other government entities, local organizations, and residents to enhance public awareness of city programs and services. The position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to travel and work outside traditional office hours, reflecting the dynamic nature of public relations work in a municipal setting.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage public information, public relations, media relations, and internal and external communications.
• Design and enhance the City's public image, vision, values, and central themes.
• Prepare and deliver oral press briefings and written press releases to the media on city issues.
• Disseminate news and information on City programs, projects, and services; respond to media inquiries.
• Anticipate media responses and cultivate publicity campaigns.
• Research, develop, write, and edit news/press releases, articles, feature stories, speeches, pamphlets, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, and scripts for print and electronic media.
• Monitor and update social media content; monitor social media activity of authorized staff content creators.
• Plan and coordinate press conferences and other special events; promote special events.
• Provide media and public relations counsel to Mayor and staff.
• Create and maintain a repository of media coverage/information about the City, city officials, and projects.
• Serve as advisor to Management Team for events and media relations for high profile issues and events.
• Coordinate communications with the Police Department Public Information Officer as needed.
• Participate in community outreach efforts, including coordination of focus groups and community meetings.
• Assist with event coordination, including facilities, timing, set-up and take-down, volunteers, and other logistical needs.
• Coordinate video and photography work, manage vendors as needed.
• Establish productive working relationships with other government entities, local organizations, and residents to increase public awareness of programs and services.
• May supervise and direct the work of interns.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
• Five years of progressive responsibility in public or community relations work, with an emphasis on managing external communications and public information programs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel and work outside traditional office hours.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office, Adobe Suites, etc.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with social media management and content creation.
• Familiarity with community outreach and engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of local government operations and public policy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $108,960 - $137,988 per year.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.