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Senior Executive Communications and Public Relations Manager

City of McKinney, Granite Heights, WI, United States


Based on background and experience, our typical hiring range for this position is Steps 5–10, as follows:

TYPICAL HIRING RANGE: $90,109.79 - $105,199.30/Annual $43.32 - $50.57/Hourly

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and to help develop one of the fastest‑growing communities in the nation.

OUR CORE VALUES City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace, while supporting one another. The four core values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE) – guide all employees.

SUMMARY OF POSITION Under the direction of the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer and working closely with peer team managers, the Executive Communications and Public Relations Manager, Sr. leads executive communications initiatives, media relations, and public‑affairs communications for the city. The role ensures clear, consistent, and strategic messaging across internal and external channels, serves as city spokesperson when required, and represents the city in media and community engagement.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.

Contribute to a positive work culture.

Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Assess own or team performance.

Contribute to the development of others and the organization.

Work as part of a team and perform a fair share of team responsibilities.

Continuously learn and develop through training opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Organizational Communications and Leadership

Ensure alignment and consistency of communication across the organization through collaboration with leadership.

Establish and enforce standards for performance, processes, accountability, and ownership.

Communicate team goals in alignment with organizational priorities.

Address performance issues directly and ensure timely, accurate work.

Lead development and execution of internal communications strategies.

Anticipate emerging communication needs and provide strategic recommendations.

Operate with high energy, urgency, and ownership in driving results.

Comply with written City policies and procedures.

Adhere to the city attendance schedule.

Media Relations

Develop and execute media‑relations strategies supporting Council and organizational priorities.

Oversee media engagement, messaging, and response protocols.

Maintain media policies, plans, and standards.

Identify and advance strategic media opportunities.

Provide media coaching and guidance to city leadership.

Serve as city spokesperson when appropriate.

Implement public‑affairs strategies to strengthen reputation and manage public perception.

Lead community engagement, stakeholder relations, and advocacy initiatives.

Support executive and Council communications.

Public Affairs

Implement strategies to enhance the city’s reputation.

Manage community engagement and stakeholder relationships.

Shape the city’s public image in alignment with core values.

Lead communications for elections, bond initiatives, and city boards and commissions.

Develop strategies supporting City Council special projects.

Draft speeches, presentations, and other materials for elected officials.

Coordinate communications for external events such as State of the City address.

Crisis Communications

Lead crisis‑communication strategies and protocols.

Provide real‑time guidance to city leadership during crises.

Coordinate with Public Safety and Emergency Management for emergency communication.

Other Job Functions

Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors

Embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.

Communicate effectively across all levels.

Produce quality, timely work outcomes.

Plan, organize, and allocate resources effectively.

Understand organizational strategy and develop aligned communications.

Manage multiple complex initiatives with energy and urgency.

Build trust‑based relationships with appropriate boundaries.

Operate strategically, anticipating emerging needs.

Lead staff with clear expectations and accountability.

Collaborate with executive leadership for alignment.

Navigate political sensitivity with discretion and professionalism.

Prepare concise, strategically aligned communications for executives.

Leverage data, technology, and emerging tools to improve effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or English or closely related field supplemented by two (2) or more years of experience in a communications management role and five (5) or more years involving executive communications, public relations, communications strategy and implementation, journalism, writing, and marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a drug screen and background check.

Must have a Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands Requires frequent listening, talking, and sitting; occasional standing and walking; rarely reaching or lifting.

Work Environment Limited exposure to environmental conditions.

The City of McKinney is an equal‑opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

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