Communication Manager Job at East Pierce Fire & Rescue in Newark

Join Our Team as a Communication Manager!

East Pierce Fire & Rescue (EPFR) was founded on the principle of "where compassion and action meet." It is our mission to not only rapidly and effectively respond to the needs of our community, but to do so with compassionate care and a commitment to exceeding customer service expectations. We are looking to add a Communication Manager to our team to help strengthen connections with our community, enhance public awareness, and support the vital work of our fire district. If you are a skilled communicator, thrive in dynamic environments, are passionate about making a difference, and model our core values of integrity, leadership, stewardship, and innovation - we encourage you to apply!

This position plays an integral role in planning, developing, organizing, and implementing the District’s internal and external communication programs across multiple platforms such as the website, social media, media, and print publications. The Communication Manager is responsible for providing professional, accessible, and compelling content and visual storytelling through photography and videography relative to District events, initiatives, and community involvement. Incumbents must possess superior interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to apply independent judgment. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application by end of day February 3, 2025. To apply, you will be asked to upload the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Up to 5 examples of relevant work (if document type is not supported, please submit a word or .pdf file with a description AND link)

1. Candidates will be contacted via email regarding their status
   • No later than February 7
2. Top candidates will be invited to participate in an assessment center which will include an oral board and skills assessment
   • Scheduled for February 26
3. Pre-employment process will include a comprehensive background check
   • Including criminal history and driving record
4. Start date
   • Anticipated date is April 1, 2025

Please note all dates are subject to change.

1. Responsible for the research, creation, and timely distribution of various communications and publications, including newsletters, emails, online posts, brochures, articles, and other marketing materials.
2. Manages complex communications projects, ensuring timely completion of deliverables within scope and budget.
3. Ensure communication strategy is consistent and reflects the District’s strategic vision and brand across all platforms.
4. Develop, integrate, and implement PR activities designed to enhance the District’s public profile.
5. Act as a media spokesperson on behalf of the District for routine requests and at emergency scenes.
6. Implement a graphic design strategy with content in alignment with brand standards to produce professional and engaging digital content for social media platforms and the website, staying abreast of trends and ensuring a strong online presence.
7. Cultivate and enhance relationships with the community, media outlets, and targeting audiences.
8. Regularly collaborate with key leadership to plan proactive community and media outreach.

1. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and objectives, developing tailored communication materials that effectively convey key messages and align with organizational goals.
2. Provide strategic advice to management and other internal customers regarding communication needs and promote collaboration across teams to ensure work aligns with organizational capacities and goals.

1. Assist in preparing, submitting, and supervising assigned budget items.
2. Copy, edit, proofread, and revise communications.
3. Proficient in producing multimedia content, including audio, video, and photography.
4. Other duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

1. Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field.
2. Minimum five (5) years of professional communication experience, including media and community relations programs.
3. Professional writing and editing experience.
4. This position requires the use of a personal or department vehicle while conducting District business. The individual must be physically capable of operating motor vehicles safely and must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
5. The employee must have the ability to respond in a timely manner to unforeseen events.

While the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified below may be representative of minimum levels to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently.

1. Use tact and courtesy with internal and external contacts.
2. Demonstrates ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability in all actions.
3. Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, time management, and a customer-focused attitude to support efficient workplace operations and foster a positive environment.
4. Complete assignments accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner with minimal supervision, aligning with the mission and needs of the District.
5. Communicate in the English language, both orally and in writing.
6. Apply knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and codes to effectively perform the essential functions of the role.
7. Proficient in office technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, relevant applications and software, and hardware.
8. Travel between various worksites as necessary to fulfill the needs of the District.
9. Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and create effective communications for a variety of forums with a diverse audience.
10. Ability to develop and manage internet technology, website and social media platforms. Operate computer with standard office suite, email, phone system, etc.
11. Strong project management skills with the ability to organize and accomplish work assignments with minimum supervision.

The physical demands and working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. This position primarily involves working in an office environment, requiring prolonged periods of sitting, using a computer, and performing repetitive hand and wrist motions (e.g., typing and mouse usage). The role may also occasionally require standing, walking, bending, or lifting objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Must possess acceptable auditory (talk and hear) and visual (close vision, ability to focus) senses and the manual dexterity to meet the requirements of the job and be able to complete tasks accurately.
2. Employee may be required to attend emergency and training scenes, meetings, and functions outside of normal working hours.