Communications Manager

Communications Manager

The City of Redwood City, City Manager's Office, Communications Division invites you to apply for the position of Communications Manager. The Communications Manager is an integral member of the City's management team and is responsible for the development and execution of Redwood City's communication strategy. The Communications Manager will lead and develop strategic communications activities that will positively brand the City and engage the community in key City initiatives. The Communications Manager will provide timely, transparent and proactive information to the public; enhance the visibility of the City Council's strategic initiatives, key messages, and programs; establish and promote the City of Redwood City's brand; and enable meaningful community engagement in the public process.
The Communications Manager will be responsible for the City's varied and integrated communications products and services including annual reports, newsletters and other print publications, web, e-news and other online communications, social media, traditional media and public relations, as well as marketing. The position also coordinates related projects involving complex community and cross-departmental issues as assigned, and leads the City's efforts to strengthen and expand its online and social media presence, and assists with coordinating Citywide community engagement activities. The Communications Manager will anticipate and identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization, and work with the senior management team and staff to recognize communications opportunities and design and execute appropriate strategies to address them. The position also develops specific outreach strategies to reach population groups that may need assistance in connecting with City services and programs. The Communications Manager will serve as a spokesperson and lead contact on media interactions; build and manage press relationships to achieve accurate coverage of City events, public announcements, projects and programs. Responsibilities may also include supervision over technical and/or professional staff. This position will report to the Deputy City Manager.
Typical duties include, but are not limited to:
Lead the City's social media efforts and cross departmental social media team. Develop and coordinate implementation of the City's social media strategy, policies and presence and monitor the City's online reputation.
Develop and implement an integrated strategic communication plan to advance the City's brand identity and broaden awareness of its programs, priorities and accomplishments.
Ensure communication strategies are consistent with the City's strategic plan and vision.
Create and manage a decentralized communications team to support the departments' communications needs and the development and execution of the communications strategy.
Anticipate and identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization; Work with the senior management team and staff to recognize communications opportunities and design and execute appropriate strategies to address them.
Develop and oversee mechanisms to measure the success and continuously improve the quality of the City's communications.
Oversee development and dissemination of print communications (including the annual report, marketing collateral materials) and electronic communications (including the City's website, social media and new media) and manage relationships with associated vendors.
Serve as a spokesperson and lead contact on media interactions; build and manage press relationships to achieve accurate coverage of City events, public announcements, projects and programs.
Prepare talking points, presentations, speeches and other supporting material as needed.
Manage the City's website, including content strategy, integrated messaging, creative direction and analytics.
Develop specific outreach strategies to reach population groups that may need assistance in connecting with City services and programs
Coordinate related projects involving complex community and cross-departmental issues as assigned
The ideal candidate will possess outstanding written and oral communication skills, and significant professional experience in public relations or public communications, developing and implementing communication strategies in support of organizational vision and priorities. He or she will also possess considerable experience with social media and other web-based communication technologies and be motivated to learn and employ new and emerging technologies and methods related to public communication strategy and engagement. The ideal candidate will also have a successful track record of developing positive and constructive relationships with media representatives, community members and stakeholders, agency leadership, and staff. He or she will be a self-starter, employing initiative and independent judgment to organize and prioritize work in accordance with organizational goals, and produce high quality work on a deadline. Candidates with public sector, corporate or public relations agency experience are invited to apply.
Job related and essential qualifications include:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible, professional level experience in journalism, mass media communication, marketing, public relations or public information. Candidates with public sector, corporate or public relations agency experience are invited to apply. Experience with the latest web-based outreach and engagement technologies and interactive media is highly desirable.
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in Journalism, Public or Media Relations, Communications, Marketing, Social and Interactive Media or a closely related field.
Ability to:
Demonstrate experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals
Think innovatively, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
Utilize excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills
Prepare a wide variety of effective, professional, attractive and economical communication tools, using both traditional and social media, for a variety of audiences
Engage professionally and effectively and represent the City with a wide range of diverse constituents
Establish and sustain positive working relationships with civic organizations, business associations and other community groups.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with elected and senior management
Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities and tasks in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and be both flexible to changes in priority assignments
Plan, lead and implement major projects on schedule and with measurable results
Exercise good judgment and creative problem-solving skills and make sound decisions in a manner consistent with essential job functions and City values
Devote high attention to detail and a strong commitment to factual accuracy
Work independently and proactively with minimal supervision
Interpret and explain City programs, policies and procedures; break down complex issues in a manner that is easy to communicate and understand
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment with ability to drive to various City and regional locations. Bilingual ability is desirable.
Submit your application including Resume and Cover Letter via: www.CalOpps.org by Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 11:59pm. Oral Board interviews & Written Exercise will be held in-person and is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026. *Please note that candidates selected to move forward to the Department Interview will occur the following day on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. A complete application is required. In addition, your application must include the following two (2) required materials:
1. Resume
2. Cover letter
Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to list work experience, and education or training or stating "See Resume" in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to disqualification. Resumes may be attached separately, but resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City application.