Responsibilities

• Leads and manages all functions, policies, and projects within the Communications and Marketing Division.
• Develops and delivers dynamic communication and marketing strategies that promote the City's mission, services, and achievements.
• Creates and oversees engaging content across multiple platforms—web, print, video, and social media—to share the City’s story and connect with the community.
• Builds strong relationships with media, community groups, and partner organizations to ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication.
• Champions public engagement, ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to learn about and participate in City initiatives.
• Collaborates across departments to align messaging, support major projects, and promote key programs and events.
• Advises senior leadership on communication strategy, public perception, and proactive messaging.
• Promotes innovation and creativity in how the City communicates—using data, storytelling, and design to make information more accessible and impactful.
• Assumes management responsibility for the services and activities of the Communications and Marketing Division including City communications, marketing, and community relations programs.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and program areas; researches, recommends, implements, and administers policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; coordinates, structures, and oversees ongoing or special programs as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing and management, and journalism including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility
• Experience and ability in managing a public relations program, budget administration, contract negotiation, and staff supervision
• Strong knowledge of marketing, advertising, and public relations principles; municipal government operations; data collection, research, and report preparation; social media and website management; customer service and community engagement
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases; internet and website practices; and relevant laws, codes, and regulations

Preferred

• A Master’s Degree is desirable.

Benefits

• RETIREMENTParticipation in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), providing long-term financial stability for your future. “New Member” employees are covered by the "2% at 62" option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan “Classic Member” employees are covered by the "2% at 55" option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan.
• HEALTH & INSURANCE BENEFITSMedical coverage with the City paying up to 90% of the highest HMO premium of CalPERS medical for employes and dependents.City-fully paid dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• PAY FOR PERFORMANCEThe City of Lake Forest utilizes a Pay-for-Performance Compensation Plan, which awards merit increases based on work results achieved against performance targets.
• MANAGEMENT LEAVEManagement employees may receive annual management leave of 56 hours (department heads); 40 hours (division managers), or 32 hours (other management employees).
• PHYSICAL EXAMINATION ALLOWANCEEmployees are entitled to an annual fiscal year allowance on a reimbursement basis for a physical examination. Department Heads can receive up to $500 and all other employees can receive up to $300.
• CELL PHONE ALLOWANCEManagement Team members (i.e., City Manager, Department Heads, Division Managers and Assistant to the City Manager) receive monthly cell phone allowances ranging from $30 - $100.
• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMUpon completion of the initial probationary period (or one year), an employee is eligible for reimbursement of tuition for up to $1,500 per fiscal year for approved completed coursework toward a college degree.
• STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESSThe City of Lake Forest is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, helping eligible employees reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt while serving the community.
• WELLNESS & WORK-LIFE BALANCEOn-site employee gymFlexible work schedules may be available depending on positionEmployees depending on the position may be eligible to telecommute one day per week, per department approval.Note: This is only a summary of fringe benefits available to full-time employees. Complete descriptions and eligibility criteria may be obtained from Human Resources.