What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Manager position at City of Redmond, WA?

Salary : $122,028.00 - $164,748.00 Annually

Location : Redmond, WA

Job Type : Regular, Full-time

Job Number : 2500009

Department : Executive

Division : EXECUTIVE

Opening Date : 02 / 06 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 23 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

JOIN REDMOND!

The City of Redmond is a thriving, culturally diverse community, and home to over 80,000 residents. Redmond is the hub of an array of commerce and industry ranging from technology, aerospace, and gaming to biomedical and innovation start-ups.

The City of Redmond is seeking an experienced Communication and Marketing Manager who will be responsible for the City's external and internal communication and outreach strategy. Your passion for promoting an organization and its mission should shine through in this high-profile, fast-paced, role. You will champion the city's brand, develop, and execute strategic communication plans, manage public affairs and issues, lead real-time crisis communications and response, and collaborate with teams citywide to anticipate and address complex communications needs in alignment with community and City priorities. The ideal candidate has a successful track record in managing a high volume of communication projects, leading communication teams, and effectively engaging stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker with tactical experience, expert writing, editing, and speaking skills, organizational effectiveness, political acumen, and discretion.

The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of Communications professional staff and activities related to strategically implementing the City's citywide communications plan. The successful candidate will align with the City's values, which include commitment to service, integrity, accountability, belonging, and stewardship. Additionally, the ideal candidate

The ideal candidate should find satisfaction in providing exceptional customer service, and thrive in a collaborative, high-volume work environment. In addition, the candidate will have a successful track record in managing a high volume of communication projects, leading communication teams, and effectively engaging stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker with tactical experience, expert writing, editing, and speaking skills, organizational effectiveness, political acumen, and discretion.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, and implement a biennial citywide strategic communications and outreach plan.
Oversee the development and implementation of priority projects communication plans that emphasize the importance of nuanced messaging tailored to diverse audiences. This includes understanding the context, cultural sensitivities, and specific needs of various stakeholders to ensure clarity and effectiveness in all communications and engagement.
Lead the crisis communications team and create and maintain crisis communication plans, including activation criteria and response procedures.
Work closely with the Office of the Mayor, City Council, department Directors, and city staff as needed on media relations and communication, often for high-profile and / or politically sensitive issues and initiatives.
Oversee media inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely responses and ensuring the City develops and maintains media relations.
Understand each of the city departments' lines of business, priorities, how they interact with each other and their communication and outreach needs.
Monitor current events, social trends, community developments, and the business landscape to anticipate potential communication needs.
Understand, navigate, and function effectively within the city's political environment by building and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, community members, and partners. Utilize astute political acumen to anticipate potential challenges and leverage opportunities that align with organizational goals, ensuring that all initiatives are approached with a deep understanding of the political context and implications.
Design and execute outreach initiatives to expand messaging reach to community members, utilizing data-driven strategies and diverse communication platforms to engage underrepresented groups and enhance overall community awareness and involvement.
Ensure all communication materials and messaging on multiple platforms are meticulously crafted and aligned with key city messaging and brand standards.
Adapt and be agile to changing priorities and dynamic environments, with a creative mindset that fosters innovative communication solutions. Ability to think outside the box and develop original content and strategies that resonate with target audiences.
Ensure city leadership is aware of communication and outreach priorities and projects through the review and dissemination of talking points, news clips, news releases, and other information to inform appropriate parties of key messages.
Develop budget priorities for the biennial budget process and oversee division revenues and expenditures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Extensive experience in developing communication materials, including press releases, articles, speeches, direct mail, digital newsletters, talking points, and presentations, with a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong command of grammar and style guides, demonstrating an expert level of proficiency in crafting clear, concise, and engaging content across various platforms and formats.

Proven track record of confidence and expertise in public speaking, able to command attention and engage audiences effectively during meetings and presentations.

Experience in leading discussions, facilitating group dynamics, and encouraging participation from diverse team members.

Extensive knowledge of communication strategies and techniques, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials. A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and capitalizing on them to enhance the overall effectiveness of communication efforts.

Highly developed emotional intelligence, intuition, and perceptiveness in communication. Proven track record in fostering strong interpersonal relationships and creating a collaborative work environment. Skilled in assessing non-verbal cues and emotional responses, enabling effective conflict resolution and strategic decision-making.

Ability to work quickly and effectively in normal and emergency situations with extreme attention to detail and accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Communications, Digital Communications, or a related field

7 to 10 years of related work experience, and 2 or more years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Work experience within a public sector setting and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Digital Communications and / or Marketing are preferred

Licenses and Certificates

Valid Washington State Driver's License and a driving record that meets City standards.

Other

This class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the job.

Please review the job description for more information about the knowledge, skills, abilities, working conditions, and physical requirements.

BENEFITS

Our employees earn competitive wages and enjoy an exceptional benefits package that includes :

MEDICAL INSURANCE - Choice of two plans for employees and their eligible dependents : Premera or Kaiser Permanente. All employee healthcare premiums paid for by the City of Redmond.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE - Included with each medical plan

DENTAL INSURANCE - For employees and their eligible dependents

VISION INSURANCE - For employees and their eligible dependents

OTHER INSURANCE - Life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, optional employee-paid voluntary life insurance

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - For tax savings on healthcare and dependent care expenses

PAID VACATION & HOLIDAYS - with (13) paid holidays per year

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

RETIREMENT PLANS - Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) plus additional options that include : Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (Social Security replacement plan) and MetLife 457 Plan

Annual COLA adjustments

Annual merit increases of up to 5%

To learn about benefits at the City of Redmond, please visit C2MB (ajg.com)

Please visit to learn about benefits at the City of Redmond

Benefit rates are subject to change without notice due to federal and state mandates and contractual changes as applicable.

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Communications, Digital Communications, or related field?

Do you have 7 to 10 years of related work experience and 2 or more years of experience in a management capacity?

Do you have experience as a Public Information Officer (PIO)?

What level of FEMA PIO training have you completed?

No Training

Basic

Advanced

Master

Do you have 4 years' experience writing for and / or technical expertise with the following? Check all that apply.

Social Media Platforms

Graphic Design

Direct Mail

Community Outreach

Speech Writing

Executive Correspondence

Creating Executive Presentations

What are your salary expectations to consider this role?

Required Question

Salary : $122,028 - $164,748

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