COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Communications Manager
Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications Manager plans, develops and implements strategic communications programs that support City priorities, enhance transparency, and strengthen community engagement. The position serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO), managing media relations, digital communications, website content, social media platforms, emergency information, and public messaging.

The Communications Manager oversees the Media Division, including staff supervision, program management, and coordination of citywide communication standards and initiatives. As a key member of the City Manager’s Office, this position works closely with departments across the organization, fostering a collaborative and team‑oriented environment where creativity, innovation, and partnership are valued.

This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, and regional partners to tell the City’s story, celebrate successes, and keep the community informed and connected. The Communications Manager develops effective messaging, responds to emerging issues, and promotes City programs and services.

The City Manager’s Office is a dynamic and engaging workplace that values collaboration, open communication, and public service. Employees enjoy working across departments on exciting projects and initiatives that positively impact the community. The Communications Manager may work evenings, weekends, and non‑traditional hours to support City events, communications needs, and emergency response efforts, and must be available for on‑call response during emergencies and critical incidents.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative communications professional with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. They can establish trust and maintain effective partnerships with diverse community members, City staff, media representatives, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate demonstrates strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive communications matters in a fast‑paced public sector environment. They are a problem solver who can develop clear messaging, lead collaborative initiatives, adapt to emerging communication trends and technologies, and effectively balance strategic planning with day‑to‑day operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education / Experience / Training

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, business or public administration, marketing or journalism, or a related field; including two (2) years of management and supervisory experience; experience in a government agency is highly desirable.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field. A master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Fluency in Chinese is highly desirable, but not required.

Licenses & Certifications

Possession of a valid Class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Monterey Park employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives and property of the people of the State.

Supplemental Information
The physical and mental effort described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to operate computer hardware, standard office equipment, production equipment, camera equipment, and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee occasionally lifts, pulls and carries equipment typically weighing up to 50 pounds and over uneven surfaces and extended distances. Additionally, sensory demands include the ability to talk and hear. This position requires near and far vision and the ability to focus in reading written reports and work‑related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service as well as when operating video and audio equipment and production.

Mental demands: While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read, analyze, and interpret data, specifications, and documents; analyze and solve problems; prepare and evaluate reports; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; learn and apply new information or new skills; and interact with City staff, management, consultants, and the public, including potential conflict situations.

Work environment: The employee works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings and occasionally in the field for projects, programs, and/or Department/City events. The employee occasionally works outdoors and is exposed to variable weather conditions, dust and loud noise.

Application Information
Deadline to apply is July 19, 2026. Resume must be submitted along with the online application. Submitting a cover letter is encouraged. Applicants who meet the qualifications will be invited to participate in oral examinations tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026; subject to change.

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