Communications Manager (At-Will)

Description

This recruitment process is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. A compelling cover letter detailing your increasingly responsible experience in journalism, public relations, and/or public administration and resume must be uploaded with the application to be considered complete. The first review of applications is Friday, August 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, is responsible for implementation of the City's communications plan. Incumbent will plan and administer the City's communications program, including: write and distribute press releases, public announcements, news articles, newsletters, bulletins, and other materials related to public relations; coordinate media, community outreach, and public information activities and events; coordinate and monitor placement of information on the City's communications channels; respond to public information related inquiries; and support citywide internal and external communications as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Deputy City Manager.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Positions in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:
  
• Plans, develops, executes, and manages the City's communications program, including community outreach, media relations, marketing, internal bulletins, newsletters, social media and website communications.
  
• Implements the City's communications plan to advance the City's brand, image and positive identity; broaden awareness of its programs, initiative and priorities, and increase the visibility of messages and programs across key stakeholder audiences.
  
• Develop citywide style guide and communications policies and procedures to ensure consistent and professional image of all City communication.
  
• Provides support and guidance on issues of interest to the media, manages media contacts, assists departments and elected officials in responding to media inquiries, and in promoting city programs, services, events and policies.
  
• Manages the City's portfolio of media tools, including press releases, speeches, website, and social media content. Prepares talking points, speeches, key messages, media alerts, public announcements, and other informational materials related to public relations, and communications.
  
• Administers and oversees the coordination of requests from City departments for review and approval of their communications efforts. Provides assistance and guidance to departments' staff and ensures compliance with City guidelines and standards relating to communications and dissemination of information.
  
• Gathers information and writes news releases, articles, and postings, which describe and highlight the City, including opportunities, accomplishments, and projects.
  
• Develops and implements public relations strategy to ensure media coverage for City events, services, and programs.
  
• Develops, implements and maintains City presence on website and social media platforms.
  
• Oversees City's presence on cable television access channels, including annual programming objectives and special video production requests.
  
• Manages all activities related to public information, intergovernmental relations, neighborhood relations, cable and digital video programming, and City Council support.
  
• Guides the development of various informational materials to promote and publicize programs, services, activities, and events, providing support with the effective presentation of program information, services, and activities, and assisting with media relations.
  
• Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates emerging issues and activities and develops communications strategies to deal effectively with situations.
  
• Regularly and predictably attends work.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public information, media relations, and media dynamics.
  
• Techniques and methods relating to the dissemination of information. Knowledge of relevant organization and procedures of City government and community.
  
• Trends and developments in information dissemination and social media. Media outlets and communication technology.
  
• Writing and editing techniques.
  
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and effective use of vocabulary.
  
• Methods and techniques used in graphic arts, website design, and various media used in publicity.
  

Skill in:

• Writing press releases, columns, newsletters, information flyers, website and social media content and letters.
  
• Leadership and management of comprehensive strategic communications and marketing.
  
• Technical proficiency in Content Management Systems and communications-related software services and platforms.
  
• Gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  
• Appearing for work on time.
  
• Following directions from a supervisor. Understanding and following posted work rules and procedures.
  
• Accepting constructive criticism.
  
• Working under pressure, handling significant problems and tasks that arise simultaneously or unexpectedly.
  
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other City employees and the public.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in journalism, public relations, public administration or a closely related field; including two (2) years of management and supervisory experience;

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Media Studies or a related field.

Experience in a government agency is desirable.

License/Certificates: Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

Supplemental Information

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.

MANAGEMENT/ CONFIDENTIALEMPLOYEES (M&C)
Benefit Summary

PERS Retirement :

Miscellaneous employees - Tier I-2% @ 55 . Tier II-2%@60 for individuals employed by the City on or after 12/30/12 who are already PERS members.Tier I and II members pay 7% of PERS member share and 1% shall be employee-paid cost-sharing of the City's contribution under Gov. Code section 20516(a).Single highest year is coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. PERS 2%@62 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13.Three year average coordinated with Social Security and Medicare.Members pay 50% of normal cost (6.75%).

Safety employees (Battalion Chiefs) - 3% @ 55 for current employees and individuals hired by the City who are already PERS members.Single highest year. Employees pay a total of 12% towards retirement. 2.7%@5 7 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13.Three year average final compensation.Members pay 50% of normal cost .

Social Security: The City matches employee’s Social Security contribution, which is 6.2% of your salary and is made on a pre-tax basis. The 2024 Social Security income cap is $168,600.

Medical -Monthly medical contribution of $1,750 ($932 for medical and $818 for flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used toward a medical premium and/or deferred compensation plan. Employees are responsible for paying any out-of-pocket balance of the medical plan premium through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in Mission Sqaure 457 plan.

Dental & Vision :MetLife Dental and VSP vision benefits are provided.

Flex Plan :Section 125 Plan, allows for payment of employee-paid insurance, medical treatment, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program : Employees are eligible for the basic level of service.

Life Insurance :$50,000 term life policy provided by City; employee can purchase additional self and dependent coverage at group rates.

Long-Term Disability: In addition to basic LTD plan (662/3 % of first $9,750 after 60-day waiting period), City provides Executive LTD which pays 75% of first $12,000 of employee's salary less the amount of any other income, up to a total of $2,500.Applies to non job-related occurrences.90 day waiting period.

Holidays :11 fixed paid holidays plus one day of personal leave/floating holiday per year.Battalion Chiefs paid 156 hours.

Vacation Leave :96 hours (1-5 years); 120 hours (6 - 10 years); 144 hours (11 - 14 years): 200 hours after 14 years.Leave can be used after 6 months of service.Annual cash conversion option. Upon reaching "E" step, employees accrue vacation based on total years of public sector service.

Sick Leave :8 hours per month.

Administrative Leave: Mid-Management and Confidential positions shall recieveup to 56 hours per calendar yearupon reccommendation of the Department Director and approval of the City Manager.

Bereavement Leave: Three (3) working days (or 40 hours where travel is 500 miles or more) for qualifying incident.

Tuition Reimbursement :Up to $2,000/year for work-related college courses.

Cell Phone Stipend: City cell phone provided depending on position.

Educational Incentive Pay :Battalion Chief $1170.19/mo for Bachelor's, $1755.28 for Master's.

Certification Pay :$585.09 Chief Officer Cert Pay for Battalion Chiefs.

Other : Uniform Allowance ($40/mo) for Battalion Chiefs; Voluntary participation in Credit Union; Payroll Direct Deposit; Long-Term Care (premiums paid by employee).

1/14; 12/15; 8/19; 8/22; 24

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• City of El Segundo

• 310-524-2381

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