Communications Manager

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Brand Stewardship
• Develop and implement City communication plans aligned with approved priorities to inform the public, strengthen stakeholder engagement and maintain public trust.
• Serve as the City's brand and communications standards manager, providing strategic oversight of communication channels Citywide to ensure a consistent voice, messaging and organizational identity.
• Identify target audiences, select optimal delivery channels, and determine timing and methodology for citywide announcements and public awareness campaigns.
• Prepare, review, and edit public information materials, press releases, presentations, and executive communications.
• Train and advise staff across all municipal departments on communications protocols, social media guidelines, brand standards, and compliance-related policies.
• Media Relations & Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Serve as the City's public information officer (PIO) for routine media inquiries and coordinate responses to significant or sensitive media matters with the Assistant City Administrator or designee.
• Coordinate the operational communications response to emerging issues, high-profile matters, critical incidents, and other time-sensitive situations in consultation with the Assistant City Administrator and other designated officials.
• Interdepartmental & Community Collaboration

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field required.
• Additional job experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience required.
• Additional job-related advanced degrees or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Previous experience with a Board or City Council is desired.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• In-depth knowledge of principles and practices of City management/administration and industry trends.
• Knowledge of social media, website, and digital communication trends.
• Understanding of budgeting, finance, and grant administration and programs/services offered is essential to the overall strategic communications planning.
• Proficiency in use of basic business software (word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentations) and basic office equipment.

Preferred

• Previous experience with a Board or City Council is desired.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Benefits

• The City of Wentzville is committed to being an employer of choice, offering prosperous and meaningful career opportunities and flexibility. The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, five personal days, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more.