Communications Manager

• Develop, implement, and access a digital government division, keeping residents informed on a 24/7 basis.
• Advance the City's identity and broaden the awareness of the City's events, programs, accomplishments, and priorities through communications and social media initiatives
• Provide timely, transparent, and proactive information to the public
• With the direction of the Assistant City Manager, manages content and scheduling for City homepage website, and all mass communications, according to City policies procedures, and communications best practices
• Disseminate prompt, accurate emergency public information during emergency and disaster situations
• In collaboration with the Assistant City Manager, prepare and deliver verbal communications, such as press conferences, interviews, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and written communications, including press releases, reports, and social media updates, to colleagues, collaborators, the public and other stakeholders
• Plan, lead, and implement projects, on schedule, with measurable results
• Anticipate and identify challenges, current and emerging, and execute appropriate strategies to address them
• Design, develop, and disseminate high quality tools and materials, ensuring style and branding compliance
• In collaboration with the Assistant City Manager, contribute to the design and develop high quality tools, resources, and support of the City's website, ensuring style and branding compliance
• Monitor social media platforms and create posts that are exciting, inviting, and engaging for the community in a manner that builds trust and vibrancy
• Write compelling and informative copy for various communications, including social media postings, blogs, and website
• Create digital events for City programs and share information to generate registrations
• Serve as a responsive, engaging spokesperson and lead contact on communication matters
• Implement and manage social media scheduling/cross-posting platform
• Develop social media content calendar
• Attend and stream City Council meetings.
• Collaborate and support Information Technology (IT) department functions
• Serve as an internal consultant and provide guidance and training to staff on communications challenges
• Engage with all clients in a professional manner
• Establish and maintain healthy networks and working relationships
• Other duties that may be required

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, Communications, Marketing, Social Interactive Media, or related field, required. Master's degree, preferred
• Minimum three years' experience in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, Communications, Marketing, or Social Interactive Media required in lieu of degree requirements
• Knowledge of practices, principles, and techniques of public information, media, marketing, and public relations
• Advanced, professional writing and grammar skills
• Understanding of principles, practices, and concepts of services and activities of municipal government and citizen participation, a plus
• Understanding of social and digital media trends and best practices to communicate effectively, increase online presence, and grow audiences on various communication platforms
• Proven strength and proficiency in using social and digital media applications
• Proficient use of basic layout, publishing, illustration, and photography applications, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva
• Competence to demonstrate independence and accountability, owning outcomes.
• Positive, proactive attitude
• High level of analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional, respectable manner
• Ability to quickly grasp and manage complex challenges in a timely manner
• Ability to attend evening or weekend meetings as needed

University City, MO