Communications Manager

Overview

Are you a strategic communications professional with experience in strategic communications and leading high-performing teams? The City of Rancho Cordova invites you to apply for the Communications Manager opportunity within the Communications & Public Affairs Department. The City is seeking a highly experienced, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent leader to oversee the City's communications program, guide efforts that inform and connect residents, businesses, community partners, and stakeholders, and advance initiatives that support the City's vision and strategic priorities. Working under the general direction of the Communications & Public Affairs Director, the Communications Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Communications Division and helps implement the full range of strategic communications to generate public awareness, support City initiatives, and foster meaningful community connections.
The Communications Manager role requires both strategic vision and technical, as well as management, expertise, including guiding the City\'s response during complex and rapidly evolving situations, translating technical information into accessible messaging, and overseeing the development of high-profile communications materials that support organizational goals and community understanding.
Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for digital content, social media, media relations, community outreach, and public engagement.
Develop and implement strategic communications plans, messaging platforms, and annual work plans that support City priorities.
Oversee the creation of complex communications materials, including reports, presentations, speeches, historical content, and other executive-level communications.
Manage media relations, public information efforts, and crisis communications, including responding to emerging issues and high-profile inquiries.
Provide strategic counsel on communications approaches, community sentiment, and emerging trends through research, analysis, and performance measurement.
Partner with City departments and external stakeholders to communicate major projects, initiatives, and community impacts.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic and relationship-driven leader who can balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution. This individual is a skilled communicator, trusted advisor, and problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about public service. They possess exceptional emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex issues with professionalism, discretion, and confidence.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Knowledge of strategic communications, media relations, digital engagement, community outreach, and crisis communications principles.
The ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.
Experience developing communications strategies, key messaging frameworks, executive-level materials, and public-facing content that informs residents, businesses and/or key stakeholders while advancing organizational objectives.
Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to inform communications decisions.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, political awareness, and the ability to build credibility with elected officials, community members, business leaders, partners, staff, and members of the media.
Proven experience leading professional teams through challenging situations while fostering accountability, collaboration, growth, and high performance.
Qualifications and Requirements

Education: A Bachelor\'s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, English, or a related field.
Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations fields including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.
License or Certification: Possession of a valid California driver\'s license.
Note on Position and Salary

The Communications Manager is a newly created position approved as part of the City’s Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget. The salary range will be added to the City\'s FY 2026/2027 Salary Schedule, which becomes effective July 5, 2026.
Benefits

Choice of a generous monthly stipend for Medical/Dental/Vision or Cash in Lieu of Medical Insurance
13 paid holidays per year
Universal Time Off (combined vacation and sick leave)
CalPERS Retirement
Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligibility
Alternate work schedules available
Onsite fitness area and other employee perks
Additional Information

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.
The duties listed are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties or may be required to perform additional or different duties to address business needs.
Requires mobility and manual dexterity to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment, and attend off-site meetings; speech and hearing to communicate in person or by telephone; vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Some accommodations may be available.
For a complete list of Employment Standards (required skills and abilities) and Minimum Qualifications, see the Job Description.

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