Council Project Manager – Media Relations
About The Position
The Project Manager – Media Relations develops, coordinates, and executes media relations strategies that promote Cleveland City Council priorities, legislative initiatives, and public engagement. The role works closely with the Communications Director, Council leadership and members, legislative staff, and external stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent communication with the news media and the public. The position may occasionally serve as the Council spokesperson. The Project Manager tracks and evaluates media inquiries, public opinion, and media opportunities, and recommends communication strategies for the Communications Team. The role requires strong writing, political judgment, media expertise, crisis communications experience, and the ability to explain complex legislative matters clearly and compellingly. The position supports Cleveland City Council, the City’s elected legislative branch, whose core duties include enacting local laws, approving the city budget, monitoring city departments, and checking executive power to improve residents’ quality of life. Evening and weekend work may be required to support Council operations. Other duties may be assigned in support of the Council’s mission.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, public administration, English, or a related field.
- Seven years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, government relations, strategic communications, or public affairs.
- Experience working with or for a legislative body, elected official, municipal government, or other government agency.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated success working in a collaborative team environment.
- Working knowledge of media monitoring tools, content management system (CMS) platforms, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and social media analytics.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of Ohio public records and open meetings laws.
- Knowledge of contemporary municipal issues.
- Experience designing and executing community engagement activities.
Responsibilities
- Serve as an occasional spokesperson for Cleveland City Council.
- Develop press protocols and ensure they are followed.
- Build relationships with local, regional, and national media.
- Respond promptly and accurately to media inquiries.
- Coordinate interviews, press conferences, and media briefings.
- Monitor media coverage and prepare daily or weekly media summaries and analytics.
- Translate complex legislation into plain-language summaries.
- Prepare summaries of ordinances, resolutions, hearings, and Council meetings.
- Support transparency and public engagement in the legislative process.
- Develop communications strategies that support Council priorities and legislation.
- Advise the Communications Director and Council leadership on media strategies.
- Anticipate communications challenges and recommend responses to emerging issues.
- Develop and implement crisis-communications press strategies.
- Provide media training and brief Council members before interviews and public appearances.
- Prepare leadership for media interviews on sensitive matters.
- Prepare and edit press releases, media advisories, public statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds, website and social media content, fact sheets, FAQs, annual reports, executive correspondence, and other documents and content.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Cleveland City Council.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
