Communication Manager

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To develop and disseminate information, in a variety of media to all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, staff, elected officials, and visitors. To use messaging that reinforces the image of the City of Kirkwood as accessible, forward-looking, and full-service. To serve as a resource to staff and Council members on issues related to strategically communicating messaging regarding City programs, events, vision, and issues of interest.

SUPERVISION:

Under direct supervision of the Asst. CAO. Will not oversee or direct other employees.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

1. The Communications Manager role is the central point of media contact for residents, businesses and other stakeholders. Provides the overall strategic direction, management and implementation of the City's public information, media communication, internal and external communication, publicity and public relations programs, and government relations. Manages content and content management system (CMS) users for the City's website and coordinates the City's social media presence.

1. Maintains and updates the City's Website, including writing copy, developing content, selecting photography, and ensuring meeting agendas, minutes, audio and video recordings, job postings, road closings, and calendar entries are posted in a timely fashion. Coordinates training for other employees as needed to update selected Website pages and monitors those pages for quality and style consistency. Provides user support to staff users of website content management system.

1. Maintains and monitors the City's Social Media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. to identify relevant content, create content, and respond to queries. Monitors social media and Web trends.

1. Serves as administrator for the Kirkwood Konnect mobile app and Kirkwood Recycles Mobile app, and provides user support to staff users of both apps.

1. As a member of the City's leadership team, this professional administrative position is charged with developing, managing, and implementing innovative, strategic, and proactive public communication plans that support the City's mission, vision, and goals. Monitors and tracks news coverage for the City. Compiles press mentions and Website.

1. Responds to requests for information from local and national media. Arranges media interviews with staff, administration, and elected officials when needed.

1. Monitors use of City logo to protect its trademark registration. Trains City employees on its use, in accordance with the adopted Logo Use Standards Manual. Monitors and ensures City's branded look by approving use of City's trademarked logos and taglines in accordance with standards for their use.

1. Develops and implements internal communication training efforts, such as media training, customer service, and marketing / branding awareness and training.

1. Develops and implements employee communication related to special events, wellness programming, and employee benefits.

1. Schedules and plans special events that are open to the public. Serves as the City's representative for public events hosted by local charities or civic organizations.

1. Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with members of the media.

1. Serves as the Staff Liaison to the Youth Advisory Commission

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of public relations, journalism, Website technology, and Web 3.0/social media communication, and other cloud-based software. Ability to develop innovative and creative approaches to municipal communication efforts. Ability to prepare news articles and press releases, to edit material submitted by City staff, and to take photographs of people, places, and events. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with public officials, the public, media representatives, and other City employees. Familiarity with computers, standard office software, content management systems, Zoom, Canva, social media scheduling software and editing/layout software.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office working environment; occasional outdoor photography and event participation.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee may be required to perform other duties as necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Current Openings for Communication Manager Jobs at City of Kirkwood