Communications Manager

Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, citywide strategic communications program aimed at enhancing public awareness, engagement, and participation in City projects, programs, services, and initiatives. Key responsibilities include overseeing the City’s website, managing all social media platforms, coordinating public relations activities, supporting interdepartmental communications, assisting in crisis communication efforts, and acting as the Public Information Officer. Performs related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties

The following tasks are essential for this position. Incumbents in this classification may not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

1. Develops, implements, and maintains an effective citywide strategic communications program and coordinates public relations activities for City Council and City departments using the following: government access television, email outreach, City website, social media, city radio station and special events. Must also be proactive in coordinating with local, regional, state and federal officials, in addition to members of the media and those in the larger community.
2. Manages the operation of communications for both short and long term planning and development of government access programming and procedures which include the day-to-day operation of CTV – The Calabasas Channel, the City’s in-house cable TV channel, PSA’s, studio productions, live web streaming, web archives, social media and promotions.
3. Oversees the public relations and outreach duties for the City, including press releases, as well as working with City departments, City Council and Commissions to publicize and promote projects, events, activities and accomplishments. Must also ensure consistency with the City brand and oversee protection of the organization’s cultural identity, which includes maintaining a digital photo library of City events and history.
4. Interprets, implements and administers the provisions of the City's cable television franchise agreements, and works with the California Public Utilities Commission to ensure compliance with telecommunications policies, procedures and standards.
5. Serves as the staff liaison to the Communications and Technology Commission which acts as a Planning Commission under state law when hearing items on wireless telecommunication facilities. Stays up to date on relevant legislation relating to telecommunications.
6. Prepares and administers the Communications Department budget within budgetary guidelines to contribute to cost-effective operation of the department.
7. Manages the selection, supervision, training and evaluation of assigned staff.
8. Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures. Be available 24/7 for emergency incidents and also in non-traditional work hours for presence at various special events and meetings.
9. Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of communications, media, public relations, and community engagement in a local government setting
• Writing, editing, graphic design, photography, media relations, and multimedia production (including audio, video, social media, and websites)
• Effective community outreach techniques and civic engagement strategies
• Current trends, best practices, and literature in communications and public relations
• Supervision, training, and personnel management
• Municipal budgeting and fiscal administration
• Local community organizations, including non-profits, homeowners associations, boards, commissions, and schools
• Modern office methods, practices, and equipment, including proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Constant Contact, Granicus, and desktop publishing tools
• Emergency operations and crisis communications protocols
• Principles of accessible, engaging website design and user experience
• Fundamentals of writing scripts, newsletters and press releases.
• Principles and practices of web page design, ftp, computer graphics and digital photography.
• Public relations best practices.

Skill in:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications programs
• Planning, organizing, and executing community outreach activities, special events, and complex projects
• Supporting executive leadership and elected officials by preparing speeches, presentations, announcements, and communication materials for public outreach
• Leading the City’s Communications and overseeing external consultants
• Conducting research and interpreting data to support recommendations aligned with policies, laws, and regulations
• Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders
• Navigating sensitive or high-pressure situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism
• Representing the City at public meetings and in collaboration with government agencies, community groups, and professional organizations
• Exercising sound judgment, adaptability, creativity, and discretion in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Understanding and applying work rules, procedures, and organizational standards
• Manage staff, budget and operations of the Communications Department.
• Make public presentations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Regulate compliance of cable and telecommunication franchises.
• Maintain significant and meaningful programming levels including local origination and outside programming.
• Design and develop a variety of promotional, informational and educational materials.
• Work with advanced computer programs including editing systems, graphic layout programs, switching systems, social media, web streaming and character generators.
• Design, implement and support large-scale application development environments.
• Research and develop program ideas and concepts, in addition to special video projects.
• Oversee the production and publication of a City Newsletter.
• Write scripts, reports, press releases and news articles

Training and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: a Bachelor's degree, Masters preferred, in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field. Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, or performing a variety of professional level administrative support activities for a public agency or community organization including supervisory experience, in the public or private sector.

Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print
• Require the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend
• Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects
• Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is an infrequent aspect of the job
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• May be required to use personal vehicle in the course of employment
• Required to attend periodic evening meetings and/or to travel within and out of City boundaries to attend meetings
• May be required to work at a video display terminal for prolonged periods
• May be required to work evenings or weekends
                   

Other Information 
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the final qualifications of incumbents within the position.