Communications and Engagement Manager

About the Position
The position is housed within the City Manager’s Office and operates under the administrative direction of the Assistant City Manager. It plays a critical strategic role in an organization and community that place a strong emphasis on high-quality, two-way communication with both internal and external audiences. The selected candidate will have direct access to senior leadership and will actively contribute as a member of the City’s decision-making team. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and applying strong, hands‑on expertise in creating and delivering content across print, web, social media, and video platforms. The role may include supervising management, professional, technical, and clerical staff, as well as leading committees and cross‑functional workgroups.

Summary
Under general supervision of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications & Engagement Manager coordinates the development, implementation, and support of the City’s community engagement, public, and internal communication efforts. Acting as a strategic guide and partner to all departments, the incumbent fosters a culture of transparency and accessibility by providing staff with the tools and guidance needed to uphold high communication standards and effectively tell the City’s story. The position works with subject‑matter expert staff to disseminate complex, sensitive, and high‑profile information regarding the city programs, projects, policies, initiatives, and events, as well as manages the City’s website, email marketing, unified graphics, and digital platforms with a focus on user experience. The position manages the City’s broad marketing programs and outreach efforts, utilizing creative outreach strategies to build authentic connections with diverse populations and traditionally underrepresented groups. Furthermore, the Communications & Engagement Manager is a core member of the City’s Emergency Management Team, ensuring that emergency communications are inclusive, accessible, and reach all members of the Monterey community. Additionally, the Communications & Engagement Manager supports the City’s legislative and intergovernmental advocacy, leveraging strategic communications to advance policy initiatives and support the City’s competitive position for grant funding.

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Communications & Engagement Manager is a management level classification with broad responsibility for the coordination and maintenance of an effective community engagement, public information, website administration, internal communications, and outreach program for the City of Monterey. This position reports to the Assistant City Manager and is distinguished from other program managers by its specialized knowledge of community engagement, public relations and outreach, and website management.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Journalism, or a closely related field. An advanced degree in a relevant field is highly desirable but not required.

Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible public information, public affairs, or media relations experience. At least one year of recent experience must have included management/supervisory experience. Two years of experience of performing public relations in a public agency is highly desirable.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

License and Certification

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is desirable but not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Why Work for Us
The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

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