Communications Manager

Salary :

$118,476.80 - $157,851.20 Annually
Location :

City Hall - Golden Valley (Building #7800), MN
Job Type:

Full-time
Job Number:

2026-46
Department:

Administrative Services
Opening Date:

07/24/2026
Closing Date:

8/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

Summary of Position

The Communications Manager directs and manages all communications and public information functions for the City. The individual in this role develops and implements strategic communication initiatives that promote transparency, strengthen community engagement, and market Golden Valley as a premier destination to live, work, play, and do business. The Manager will oversee the Communications division, including supervising staff and serving as the liaison to various committees/boards.

Expected Hours of Work
Hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. In addition to working office hours, staff may be required to work additional events. Hours may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Application Dates:

Applications will be accepted through August 2, 11:59 pm.
In-Person Interview Dates:

Selected applicants will be invited to interview in person at City of Golden Valley City Hall on Monday, August 10 or Tuesday, August 11. Notices to selected candidates will be sent out no later than Wednesday, August 5.
Note: Candidates invited to an in-person interview will be required to submit a portfolio of their work, which will be evaluated as part of the final selection process. Additional instructions will be provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions:

Oversee and coordinate citywide strategic communications, ensuring proactive and consistent messaging, branding, and communication standards across all departments.
Utilize audience research, segmentation, and performance data to develop targeted marketing campaigns and public relations strategies that expand reach, improve engagement, and strengthen relationships with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.
Advise City leadership and all departments on communication policies, strategies, and inclusive and accessible messaging to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Serve as the primary media liaison and spokesperson, managing and coordinating media inquiries, interviews, press releases, and public statements.
Supervise and provide direction to the Communications team, including work planning, performance management, and professional development.
Manage all physical and digital communications, including the City website, social media platforms, newsletters, photos, and other public information channels.
Monitor media coverage, community sentiment, and emerging issues to proactively manage the City's reputation and communication response.
Collaborate with the community connections team to advise departments on public engagement approaches, support language access plans, and community sentiment surveys that equitably inform and engage the community.
Develop and manage annual communications division budget ensuring effective allocation of resources.
Collaborate with the IT division to manage AV/broadcasting services for cable television and enhance accessibility of public meetings.
Serve as member or liaison of board(s) to positively advocate for City needs.
Manage programs and initiatives as directed by the Deputy City Manager or City Manager.
Stay abreast of communication, emerging trends, and innovations that will enhance or improve the City's communication efforts.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does have employee supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five years of progressively responsible experience with public communications, media relations, public affairs, or strategic communication.
Two years of full-time, direct supervisory experience.
Experience creating targeted communications through audience segmentation and other strategic data-driven marketing campaigns.
Experience developing and managing principles of branding and marketing in communications.
Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Experience evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies.
Experience proactively writing and editing high-quality informational materials, including press releases, news stories, and social media posts.
Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Desired Qualifications

Master's degree in communications, public administration, or related field.
Two years of experience working in Minnesota municipal government, including operating communications, public relations, or media relations.
Five years of experience working with digital communications tools, including website management tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.
Experience with leading or supporting community engagement strategies and public outreach initiatives using the IAP-2 framework.
Five years of direct supervisory experience.
Experience ensuring compliance with language access plans and federal and state accessibility laws.
Experience working with Minnesota local media stations

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is conducted primarily indoors. Employees in this position generally free from work hazards.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material.
Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, and using written communication methods.
Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings and access files and office machinery.
Occasionally traverse around the City to meetings or events.
Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in municipal law.
Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 25 pounds.
EEO Statement
The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.
City contribution toward insurance benefits and 100% holiday pay and paid leave accruals.
01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience?

Yes
No

02

Do you have five years of progressively responsible experience with public communications, media relations, public affairs, or strategic communication?

Yes
No

03

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
04

Do you have two years of full-time, direct supervisory experience

Yes
No

05

Do you have experience creating targeted communications through audience segmentation and other strategic data-driven marketing campaigns?
06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
07

Do you have experience developing and managing principles of branding and marketing in communications?

Yes
No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
09

Do you have experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences?

Yes
No

10

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
11

Do you have experience evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies?

Yes
No

12

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
13

Do you have experience proactively writing and editing high-quality informational materials, including press releases, news stories, and social media posts?

Yes
No

14

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
15

Do you have a Master's degree or higher in communications, public administration, or related field

Yes
No

16

Do you have two years of experience working in Minnesota municipal government, operating communications, public relations, or media relations?

Yes
No

17

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
18

Do you have five years of experience working with digital communications tools, including website management, social media platforms, and content management systems?

Yes
No

19

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
20

Do you have experience with leading or supporting community engagement strategies and public outreach initiatives using IAP-2 framework?

Yes
No

21

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
22

Do you have five years of direct supervisory experience?

Yes
No

23

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
24

Do you have experience ensuring compliance with language access plans and federal and state accessibility laws?

Yes
No

25

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
26

Do you have experience working with Minnesota local media stations?

Yes
No

27

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience. Include the number of months/years of experience, name of employer, job title, and specific job duties. If you answered "No", type NA to continue. Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
28

Before submitting, please confirm you have uploaded a resume to your application.

Yes
No

29

The next question is voluntary and is used to determine your eligibility for additional point credits under the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Statute 197.455.Appropriate documents MUST BE provided, either by attaching them to this application or submitting them to the City Human Resources Office within seven (7) calendar days after the deadline date for this position in order to receive Veteran's Preference points.Please select the answer that best applies to your Veteran's status.

I am not a Veteran.
I am a non-disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4).
I am a disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 form (or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
I am the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is unable to use the preference due to the service-related disability. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
I am the spouse of a Veteran who was disabled at the time of death and died as a result of an active duty injury. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board) and spouse's death certificate.
I am the spouse of a deceased Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and spouse's death certificate.
I prefer not to answer.

Required Question