Manager - Communications & Marketing - Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

About The Position

The Communications & Marketing Manager position is responsible for developing and administering the comprehensive public information, social media outreach, and marketing strategy for Dallas Animal Services (DAS). The Manager oversees public information responses, media relations, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities that promote awareness and support for DAS programs and services. This position serves as the department’s communications lead, collaborating closely with the City’s Communications & Customer Experience Department to ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment with citywide communication standards.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, media relations, marketing, and social media management.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences and platforms.
Ability to collaborate effectively with the City’s Communications & Customer Experience Department and other internal stakeholders.
Skill in developing creative, data-driven communication strategies and campaigns.
Ability to analyze communication metrics and apply insights to improve effectiveness.
Strong organizational and leadership skills, including staff supervision and project management.
Sound judgment and professionalism when handling sensitive or high-profile communication matters.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment that involves exposure to animals and animal-related environments.
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public affairs, or marketing field.
Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Ability to work with and around live animals
Microsoft Office Suite
Social Media platforms (support software)

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and evaluates communication and marketing strategies that support departmental goals and reflect the mission and values of Dallas Animal Services.
Coordinates public information responses in partnership with the City’s Communications & Customer Experience/311 Department, ensuring accurate, timely, and professional communication with media, stakeholders, and the public.
Manages DAS’s social media presence across multiple platforms, including content planning, creative development, audience engagement, and analytics tracking.
Oversees development of marketing and public education campaigns promoting adoption, pet retention, responsible pet ownership, and community partnerships.
Serves as a departmental liaison to the City’s Communications & Customer Experience/311 Department for media inquiries, press releases, and proactive storytelling opportunities.
Collaborates with internal divisions and external partners to ensure communication and outreach activities align with City messaging and DAS strategic priorities.
Supervises communications and marketing staff, contractors, and vendors; assigns projects, reviews work for quality and consistency, and provides professional development.
Tracks and evaluates communication and marketing metrics; prepares reports and recommendations to improve performance and community impact.
Provides guidance to DAS leadership on crisis communication, media strategy, and public perception management.
Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.