Communications Manager

Salary : $90,292.80 - $112,944.00 Annually

Location : Gig Harbor, WA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 24-00020

Department: ADMINISTRATION

Division: Administration

Opening Date: 12/10/2024

Closing Date: 1/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Are you a skilled storyteller with a passion for connecting people, building trust, and fostering community pride? Do you thrive in an environment where your creativity and strategic thinking make a real impact? The City of Gig Harbor is looking for an experienced and dynamic Communications Manager to lead our internal and external communications, marketing, and public relations efforts.

In this pivotal role, you will shape the city's voice, develop innovative strategies to engage residents, and serve as a trusted advisor to city leadership. From crafting compelling narratives to spearheading major initiatives and managing crisis communications, your work will ensure that every message resonates and inspires.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position directs the city's communication strategy development and implementation and manages all aspects of the city's internal and external communications, marketing, and public relations programs, policies, and protocols. The communications manager serves as a liaison to the community, media, citizen groups, as well as state and local agencies; coordinates special projects and events; compiles statistical data; and serves as a key advisor to departments and executive leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

• Compose and edit correspondence and communications materials for administration.
• Act as a strategic partner, providing a communications perspective to the leadership team that reflects a deep understanding of the residents Gig Harbor serves.
• Coordinate communication of high profile matters such as labor relations and litigation.
• Serve as key advisor to departments and executive leadership on matters relating to communication, marketing, and public relations; assist with developing crisis communications.
• Lead external communications efforts to ensure a timely, effective, consistent, two-way flow of information with the public.
• Provide media and communication training to city administration and key staff.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive city-wide communications plan.
• Develop and facilitate strategic approaches to city issues and initiatives.
• Prepare, monitor and control assigned budgets.
• Assist with coordinating, promoting, attending, and communicating on city events and activities. Collaboration with various departments, businesses, and community groups and/or organizations required.
• Conduct surveys and studies to gather real-time data in support of initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Research, compile, analyze, and report relevant statistical data to assist with communication and marketing activities.
• Design, create, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, city brochures, surveys, audio visual, publications, and other relevant communications and marketing materials.
• Plan, write, design, and coordinate the schedule of publication and distribution for the mayor's newsletter, department updates, podcasts, etc.
• Assist departments with production of general communication messages.
• Implement, maintain, and regularly update the city's website.
• Write content that translates complex city topics and processes into easy-to-understand information for a broad public audience.
• Serve as a liaison with the community, media, citizen groups, boards, and state and local agencies.
• Design pieces that graphically tell a story well in different formats including print, social media, and video.
• Develop and organize a photo/video library of content to enhance messaging.
• Design and assist departments in correct use of professional-looking collateral including business cards, letterhead, online forms and other items.
• Develop and implement a strategic communication plan, related polices, and practices to facilitate effective internal and external communications utilizing a variety of delivery methods to reach targeted audiences.
• Develop and implement an effective marketing and branding program designed to promote and foster a sense of community pride, as well as attract new businesses, residents, investments, events, visitors, and employees.
• Develop and implement an effective public relations plan to promote a collaborative, cohesive, and thriving community with integrated diversity of thought, voice, action, and access.
• Compile public feedback in reports that help city staff and elected officials better understand public opinions and ideas related to topics/projects at hand.
• Represent the city at public events, sharing information related to a wide array of city initiatives.
• Participate on intergovernmental and/or citizen advisory committees.
• Participate in city committees, study groups, task forces, and attend meetings as assigned and provide reports, materials, and/or information as appropriate.
• Participate in the development and implementation of city policies, programs, and procedures.
• Take photos at city council meetings and events.
• Implement, maintain, and regularly update the city's website and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Vimeo, Flickr, video, and other emerging communication technologies. Monitor citizen comments on city social media platforms to ensure appropriateness.
• May support in leading part-time, temporary, or intern personnel work activities within the department.
• Maintain punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:

• Current social, political, and economic trends and challenges facing municipal government.
• Principles and practices of journalism, public relations, media relations, and public involvement.
• Principles and practices of strategic communication, marketing, and brand management.
• Theory, terminology, and protocols of photography, printing, and publication.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Administrative principles and practices of program development, implementation, evaluation,

and project management.

• Municipal structure, functions, and inter-connectedness with the community and other public agencies.
• Current and emerging website and social media technologies and methods.
• Research methods, data collection, and sampling techniques and statistical analysis.
• Associated Press stylebook or other writing style guides.
• Modern office practices, methods, procedures, equipment, and technologies.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in crafting clear, compelling, and impactful written content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Understand the Gig Harbor community and determine how to tailor national, professional trends to best serve this specific community.
• Provide effective leadership and coordinate proactive and responsive communications across multiple disciplines and service areas.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced and multi-faceted environment with competing priorities.
• Represent the city in a professional, courteous, and knowledgeable manner.
• Handle sensitive and complex projects or issues to provide transparency and build trust with the public.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, agencies, organizations, businesses, communities, and the media.
• Produce professional quality communication materials in a variety of formats (e.g., print, photography, electronic, etc.).
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Research, analyze, and present statistical data and information in a clear and meaningful manner.
• Work extended hours as required by projects, events, and workload.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office or conference room setting with a moderate/ minimal noise level, and occasional field site visits.
Schedule: Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm with a one-hour meal break. This position is considered essential and will require an on-site presence. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the city administrator following the probationary period. Work outside of defined hours may be required in order to meet deadlines. Early morning, evening, and weekend meetings or events may occur.
Driving and Travel: Driving would typically be less than 5 hours a workweek. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, presentations, trainings, and/or special events as needed. Overnight travel is possible a few times per year, typically for annual conferences that relate to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education, training and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field.
• Two years of increasingly responsible media relations, public relations, and/or community relations experience.
• One year of progressive social media experience.
• Proven track record in crafting compelling narratives and effectively conveying messages to diverse audiences through strategic storytelling techniques.
• Experience in strategically leveraging different tools to engage various audiences, especially those typically underrepresented in government.
• Experience with photo and video editing software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• A valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain for duration of employment.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time. Walking short distances. Reaching, handling, and grasping documents, binders, folders, and books. Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately both in person and remotely. Repetitive motions for computer and telephone use. Exertion of force 40 lbs. occasionally and/or 15 lbs. frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other materials.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city's motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Access to reliable transportation to drive between worksites.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At the City of Gig Harbor, our aim is to extend salary offers that fall within the range from the minimum to the midpoint. These offers will be determined by assessing the applicant's relevant experience in alignment with the requirements of the applied position at the city, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of pay rates for our existing employees engaged in comparable roles. It's important to note that our salary ranges are currently under review and may be subject to adjustment.

• This position is classified exempt and is not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• This position is non-represented.
• If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at .
• To be considered you must submit and complete an online application through that reflects all relevant education and experience which addresses how you meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications for this position.
• Applications will be screened the week of January 6, 2025 with interviews scheduled January 14, 2025.

Best Commuter Business 2023
The City of Gig Harbor has been recognized as one of Pierce County's leading commuter-friendly businesses by Ride Together Pierce! The silver level Best Commuter Business recognition honors Gig Harbor's commitment to supporting sustainable transportation in Pierce County.

The City of Gig Harbor is a receipient of the 2024 WellCity Award!

This is awarded by the Association of Washington Cities and recognizes those that place employee well-being among their core values and demonstrate that futher by developing healthy workplace cultures and promoting employee health and wellness. As a reward, the City recieves a 2% discount on all medical premiums.

The City of Gig Harbor offers generous employee benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about the City's .

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have two years of increasingly responsible media relations, public relations, and/or community relations experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have one year of progressive social media experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience with photo and video editing software?

• Yes
• No

Required Question