Public Relations Manager

The Communications Manager will serve as principal advisor providing comprehensive and proactive internal and external communications, strategies and planning, media relations, marketing strategy and branding efforts. Promote positive Public Relations between the city and community. Manage media relations and maximize media opportunities. Prepare and provide information to the public about city initiatives, accomplishments, activities, programs, goals and policies. Supports the City Manager’s Office efforts of being the Public Information Officer for the city, oversees the city’s content and messaging for owned media channels including the website, publications, social media accounts, crisis communications and programming for events.

• Develop and maintain a recognizable “brand” as well as powerful messages for the city that enhance the city’s image in the community and public view. 
• Develop a marketing and branding strategy to support the city’s vision, mission and organizational goals.  
• Create outreach strategies to engage multiple stakeholders via various communication methods.   
• Develop a cohesive communications strategy to drive the messaging for the city and ensure that the city’s messaging is consistent and transparent for all stakeholders.
• Develop and implement an integrated organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of the city and strengthen brand identity across key stakeholder audiences.
• Plan, develop and execute targeted strategies across multiple communication channels. 
• Leverage digital communications and identify potential opportunities for innovation in the workplace to support the growth of the city. 
• Provide platforms, tools, content and strategies to articulate the city’s strategic initiatives internally and externally. 
• Develop branding initiatives, internal communications and media relations. 
• Develop city-wide advertising, Public Relations campaigns and collateral materials to market the City of Lancaster and for all large city-wide events, activities, programs and ceremonies. 
• Evaluate data to determine the success of various communication activities and channels.  
• Identify challenges and emerging issues and create opportunities to define and execute appropriate strategies or solutions. 
• Identify and develop effective and proactive strategies for dealing with community issues and concerns.  
• Interact with diverse stakeholder groups and represent the City Manager’s Office as needed. 
• Serve as the office information liaison between the city and the community. Support the City Manager’s effort of being the city spokesperson and coordinate media coverage including preparing press releases and publishing articles and photos in local media and other publications. 
• Design, prepare, and edit city publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs and other publications for special events.  
• Build the communications capacity of City of Lancaster administrators and departments by providing training on a variety of topics, including public engagement, marketing and media. 
• Secure the development of public opinion polls and solicit feedback from City of Lancaster community members through formal and informal means regarding city initiatives, programs and decisions. 
• Manage the development and production of city marketing communications, including print and electronic publications, collateral materials, presentations, website content, social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, new media productions, advertising, media relations, videos and television broadcasts for staff and the community. 
• Responsible for event planning, design and production of city events and functions. 
• Develop, coordinate and monitor the crisis communication plan and implementation.   
• Develop communication strategies, tactics and action plans for all major City of Lancaster initiatives, and serve as a Public Relations consultant to key city committees and task forces. 
• Responsible for working with City Secretary’ office managing public information requests and responding in a timely manner. 

Administration, Management and Budget 

• Work collaboratively with administrators, staff members, and community volunteers in planning/developing Public Relations programs and strategies for both one-way and two-way communications. 
• Develop and monitor the program’s annual objectives and performance measures.  
• Manage the operations of the Communications Department, with direct responsibility for department personnel, budget, materials and equipment.    
• Plan, coordinate, and arrange for appropriate professional development opportunities for assigned staff.    
• Provide appropriate professional development opportunities for department leaders and other employees throughout the city.    
• Select, train, supervise and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal 

Other Duties 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Maintain sensitive and confidential communications.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Supervises the Multimedia Specialist and the Public Relations Specialist positions within the Public Relations department. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field preferred. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience and professional development in communications, marketing, education, public policy administration or related field preferred.

Valid Texas driver’s license is required.