Communications and Engagement Manager

Kettering, City of•Kettering Government Center, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Kettering is seeking a Full-Time Communications and Engagement Manager. This role is responsible for the development, supervision, and management of all communication mediums with the community, including traditional and digital communications, marketing, public affairs, and media relations. The manager will oversee and administer the preparation of print and electronic publications, City social media accounts, and the dissemination of information to residents. Key responsibilities include managing City branding, promotions, and advancing a positive image of the City. This position oversees a small staff and coordinates media communiques, public information projects, and multi-media programming. The role implements City policies related to communications, image, and reputation, carries out special communication projects, and serves as a staff liaison to various boards and committees on behalf of the City Manager.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience in public administration, business management, journalism, mass media communications, or public relations.
Degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Knowledge of current principles, practices, techniques, and objectives of public information and media relations programs, marketing, graphic design, public administration, and project management.
Advanced knowledge and abilities in mass communication using various media, public speaking, and written communications.
Some knowledge of the principles and practices of economics, statistics, group behavior and dynamics, sociology, and municipal administration.
Articulate and concise in written and oral communications.
Excellent command of the English language.
Outstanding writing, editing skills, research, and interview techniques.
Familiarity with design and layout for marketing brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Skills necessary to develop and lead staff.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to design and develop a variety of promotional and informational materials.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement special events.
Ability to coordinate activities with other groups and agencies.
Ability to oversee website development.
Ability to understand municipal operations to formulate and implement comprehensive communication plans.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, employees, officials, other agencies, other jurisdictions, and vendors.
Ability to communicate orally with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, one-on-one, face-to-face, and in group settings.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to define, develop, propose, and implement goals and objectives.
Excellent project management and public speaking skills.
Advanced computer skills.
Familiarity with NIMS training.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, public administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop, supervise, and manage all mediums of communication with the community.
Oversee and administer the preparation of all print and electronic publications.
Manage City social media accounts.
Disseminate appropriate information to residents.
Manage overall City branding and promotions.
Advance a positive image of the City.
Oversee a small staff.
Coordinate the preparation and distribution of media communiques regarding City services, projects, and policies.
Coordinate and implement public information projects and programs for the City.
Direct City multi-media programming and production activities.
Implement City policies related to communications, image, and reputation.
Carry out special communication projects.
Serve as a staff liaison to various boards, committees, groups, and councils.
Develop a strategy to continuously share Kettering’s story, highlighting its team, services, and community.
Implement and manage the City’s updated brand guidelines.
Act as the managing editor of the quarterly magazine distributed citywide.
Originate, plan, research, and compose news items, news articles, media releases, stories, bulletins, speeches, web pages, reports, letters, scripts, and marketing materials.
Serve as lead administrator for the City website, responsible for oversight of content generation, updates, and training.
Serve as lead communicator during public crisis or emergency situations.
Coordinate media coverage.
Identify and recommend public relations opportunities.
Prepare and/or deliver speeches and presentations on City programs, services, and policies.
Assist with and produce the "Mayor's State of the City" address.
Coordinate and ensure communication policy compliance by all employees involved in public information functions.
Coordinate and oversee all marketing functions of the City, including project management of marketing and public relations contractors.
Develop new programs and projects to improve the delivery of information and services to the public.
Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with area media representatives.
Develop and maintain mailing lists and provide information and assistance to reporters.
Work with other Department staff in preparing communications and promotional items for specific projects.
Assist with all marketing materials and city brochures for content and style.
Organize and implement in-house and community-wide special events.
Research information for special projects, conduct studies, maintain records, and prepare reports.
Respond to inquiries and make referrals to appropriate services.
Coordinate focus groups and various surveys.
Perform related duties as assigned.