City of Elmhurst
Employment Opportunity
Communications Manager

Position Summary
Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications Manager oversees internal and external City communications. This includes marketing City services and programs to residents, businesses and the public.

Essential Functions
• Responsible for overseeing the Communications Department, including one full-time Marketing and Communications Specialist, one part-time Marketing and Communications Specialist and one part-time Marketing and Communications Intern.
• Oversees and directs the work of a contracted video production team, which is comprised of two contractors.
• Develops and executes strategic communication, marketing, public relations, messaging, media relations and branding strategies for the City.
• Manages contracts and relationships with outside vendors, including the website provider, customer service app, printing companies, Elmhurst Express Trolley operator, etc.
• Develops promotional programs and initiates projects to enhance the City’s image.
• Develops, monitors, manages, leads, and continuously enhances the City’s digital and online presence, including the City’s website, social media accounts and service request app.
• Collaborates with City administration and departments, the Mayor and City Council, and Boards and Commissions to establish external communications.
• Provides 24/7 emergency communication to the community.
• Serves as the City’s designated spokesperson and coordinates media relations efforts.
• Manages the City’s Elmhurst Express Trolley program.
• Prepares Communications Department budget recommendations and tracks expenditures throughout the year.
• Plans and supports special events, such as the Commissioner Recognition program, State of the City Address, Farmer’s and French Markets, and Noon Year’s Eve.
• Produces and administers the quarterly newsletter, The Front Porch, Explore Elmhurst Welcome Guide and other special publications such as the Citizen Survey.
• Attends Commission, Committee, and City Council meetings as needed.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, public administration or a related field; AND five years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or marketing; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Illinois driver’s license.
• Mobility to work in an office setting, use office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Work is usually performed in an office setting. Some outside work is necessary for special events.
Required Knowledge and Skills
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in graphic design software, website content management systems, and email distribution software.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends at events, community meetings, emergency situations and conferences.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, elected officials, residents, and other stakeholders.
• Organizational and leadership skills necessary to develop new programs and attract new support within the community.
• Ability to adapt content and communication style to a variety of audiences and in a variety of forms.
• Ability to identify complex problems, collect data, establish facts, evaluate options and formulate recommendations.
• Skill in management of financial resources and budgeting.
• Ability to develop, design, or create new applications, ideas, relationships, and systems.
• Ability to manage ad production/placement, media kits, and other graphic design publications.
• Ability to prioritize multiple complex projects and deadlines.
• Ability to effectively make presentations and respond to questions.
• Ability to adapt to changing job responsibilities as position necessitates actively seeking out new ways to improve community relation efforts.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations and communication.
• Knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of internet communication programs and applications to effectively communicate to all age groups, across generations, within the community.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for promoting services including marketing strategies and branding principles and practices.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range: $99,003 - $138,604 DOQ. FLSA Status: Exempt. Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance (City contributes annually half the cost of the deductible to employee HSA), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Interested, qualified candidates are asked to submit a completed application and resume online at https://elmhurst.org/jobs . Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of background check, drug screen, and physical. Deadline for Applications is 5pm on Friday, August 8.

The City of Elmhurst is an equal opportunity employer.