Communications Manager

Description

Develops, implements, and manages the City of Mercer Island’s strategic communications program to enhance two-way communication between the City and its residents through printed publications, websites, social media, mass communication tools, and government access television. 

Work is performed under general direction with significant latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position serves as a consultant on high profile projects relating to policies, programs, capabilities, and long-term goals and objectives. Position requires a high level of critical thinking and ingenuity in bringing successful resolution to unusually complex and strategic situations and issues.  

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. 
 

• Directs all facets of publicly consumed branding and marketing and oversees City-wide messaging and communications; maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
• Develops and implements a comprehensive, City-wide strategic communications plan and related policies and procedures
• Develops, recommends, and implements new communications methods and enhancements; researches and evaluates emerging communications technology
• Prepares and delivers oral press briefings and written press releases to the media on city issues; represents the City as the lead contact for media inquiries
• Prepares public displays and represents the City at public/community events as needed
• Manages the City's website and digital content, social media channels, and public engagement platform
• Leads and/or facilitates interdepartmental communication teams; advises and assists staff on appropriate ways to communicate information to the public to ensure accuracy and consistency; composes talking points and speeches
• Provides in-house expertise in the fields of public engagement and public information and communication to obtain community participation in the City's decision-making process
• Provides internal departments with communications support by creating communication plans, editing material, and supplying general guidance and expertise
• Writes, designs, and produces a print, digital, and multi-media public information materials
• Maintains and enhances the City’s photo archives of various events, activities, and programs
• Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols
• Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
• Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
• May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
• When required, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City’s response during an emergency and fulfills requested Incident Command System (ICS) role

Supervisory Responsibilities
 

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualification Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public administration, or related field; supplemented by five (5) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire
• Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700, 300, and 800 within first six months of employment and ICS-400 within first 18 months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive communication program
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and applications of public relations, public information/communications
• Knowledge of desktop publishing and graphics reproduction techniques, printing processes and production methods, web site development, and journalistic writing
• Knowledge of social media best practices and management
• Knowledge of government systems, processes, and procedures related to municipalities
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures for the preparation, production and maintenance of reports, documentation, and records
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Skill in using mathematics required for the work
• Skill in developing and directing a comprehensive communication program
• Skill in writing, editing, designing, producing, and disseminating communications materials using a variety of formats, including print, electronic, audio, video, website, and public access television
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met
• Ability to effectively integrate graphic design elements in communication materials
• Ability to train City staff on various communication tools and principles and compose talking points and speeches as well as coach City staff on speaking with the media
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures
• Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including but not limited to comparing, classifying, analyzing, and coordinating
• Ability to analyze and/or prepare complex reports and contract documents and deliver public presentations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to commute independently to and from work, arrive punctually for designated work schedule (virtually or in person), and work outside of standard business hours to attend meetings and/or events

Working Conditions & Physical Abilities

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside without exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.