Summary of Position:
Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Communication Manager leads the City's public information efforts. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing communication strategies that inform, engage, and build trust with residents, media, businesses, and other stakeholders. Must have strong leadership skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to transparent, inclusive communication.

Job Description/ Essential Duties:
These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.
Develop and execute comprehensive communications and public outreach plans that align with the City’s goals, priorities, and branding.
Serve as the City’s primary media liaison; manage press releases and media inquiries, and crisis communications.
Oversee the City’s website content, social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital communications.
Engages in social listening to identify potential emerging issues.
Communicates in a courteous, compassionate, and professional demeanor to create/maintain relationships.
Identifies opportunities, establishes contact, and maintains partnerships with various organizations and community groups to advance City objectives.
Coordinate internal communications across departments to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.
Craft speeches, talking points, and presentations for City officials, including the Mayor and City Manager.
Serves as an author, editor, and distributor of news releases and media advisories.
Manage emergency and crisis communications, working closely with public safety and emergency management teams.
Monitor public sentiment and news coverage; develop strategies to address misinformation or community concerns.
Support public outreach campaigns, events, and initiatives to promote civic engagement.
Ensure communications are inclusive, accessible, and representative of the community's diversity.
Assists City Management with compiling and organizing information for the preparation of correspondence, documents, and reports as assigned.
Handles confidential information and works with City personnel, officials, and the public with discretion and diplomacy.
Advises City staff on day-to-day media relations and provides training as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:
The successful candidate will possess: 
General understanding of local government operations, the organization and operation of the City Council and City administration.
Strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
Proven experience managing media relations and developing digital content strategies.
Familiarity with local government operations and community engagement best practices.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, including during emergencies.
Proficiency in social media tools, web content management systems, and graphic design platforms.
Some knowledge of modern records management techniques and requirements for recording, retention, and disclosure.
Knowledge of developing and implementing communication and training programs.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and the ability to learn specialized software and databases.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; presentation skills.
Ability to prepare accurate minutes with correct grammar and spelling; includes excellent knowledge of the structure and content of the English language.
Time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal, customer service and public relations skills.
Ability to identify communication and marketing needs and to develop strategies to address them.
Ability to deal with a wide range of people, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with City activities and policies.
Ability to learn, interpret, and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Ability to effectively research, collect, compile, and analyze information and data; ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with other staff, City officials and departments, outside agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
Ability to write and present clear and concise administrative reports.
Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations as they relate to the position.
Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration, or a related field; and
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public communications, media relations, or governmental affairs; or
Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge or experience working in a municipal environment.

Special Requirements/Licenses or Certificates:
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of employment.
Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background check, reference checks, and driving record check.