Communications & Engagement Manager

Monterey, CA (Unknown)

$112K/yr – $136K/yrManager3+ years expFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own the citywide communications program, coordinating media relations, stakeholder outreach, and data-driven engagement to inform, involve, and build trust with diverse communities.

  • Coordinate citywide communications programs across digital, print, and in-person channels to expand beyond one-way notification and foster active participation.
  • Lead media relations, messaging, and outreach efforts to raise awareness of city services and programs.
  • Champion equitable engagement by reaching marginalized and non-English speaking communities and using data to improve outreach effectiveness.

Job Description

Own the citywide communications program, coordinating media relations, stakeholder outreach, and data-driven engagement to inform, involve, and build trust with diverse communities.

  • Responsibilities: Develop and implement a broad set of informational, educational, and outreach activities to community groups, agencies, City Council, Boards and Commissions, and City staff.
  • Responsibilities: Formulate and manage digital, print, and in-person communications programs and materials.
  • Responsibilities: Serve as internal communications advisor, creating toolkits to help experts communicate clearly through media relations and digital channels.
  • Responsibilities: Produce promotional materials to raise public awareness of city programs and services.
  • Responsibilities: Write news releases, articles, social content, and coordinate media events.
  • Responsibilities: Plan special events, briefings, and conferences.
  • Responsibilities: Act as initial media contact on the Communications Team and direct inquiries to leadership or staff.
  • Responsibilities: Maintain relations with news media, proactively pitch stories highlighting city services.
  • Responsibilities: Coordinate Sister City partnerships and foster equitable engagement with marginalized and non-English speaking communities.
  • Responsibilities: Lead social listening and reputation management to provide real-time insights to city leadership.
  • Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Journalism, or related field.
  • Requirements: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Requirements: Three (3) years of public information, public affairs, or media relations experience, with supervisory experience required for at least one year.
  • Requirements: Two years of public agency PR experience is highly desirable.
  • Requirements: Additional qualifications may be considered.
  • Preferred: An advanced degree in a relevant field is highly desirable but not required.
  • Preferred: APR accreditation with PRSA is desirable but not required.
  • Benefits: The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees.
  • Benefits: Health plans, life insurance, retirement with CalPERS, and paid holidays, among others.
  • Benefits: Dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement programs.
  • Benefits: Retirement and savings options, health plan funding, and wellness programs.
  • Benefits: Education incentive pay and city-sponsored fitness and recreation benefits.
  • Benefits: Employee assistance program, relocation considerations, and generous leave policies.
  • Benefits: Family-friendly benefits and ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Benefits: PTO accruals, sick leave, and holiday schedules.
  • Benefits: City-supported legal and voluntary benefits options.
  • Benefits: Additional fringe benefits as described in MOU details.