Communications Manager

Apply by December 30, 2025 for first review and consideration.

The Communications Manager leads and develops strategic communications activities that positively brand the city and engage the community in key city initiatives. The Communications Manager provides timely, transparent and proactive information to the public; enhances the visibility of the city’s strategic initiatives, key messages and programs; develops and promotes the City of Marysville brand; and enables meaningful community engagement in the public process.

This role manages public messaging to ensure it is consistent, engaging and aligned with the city’s brand to support its priorities and overall goals. This position crafts and maintains the city’s voice and tone across various platforms and with different audiences. This position develops and implements citywide public information programs designed to help residents understand how their city works, strengthens the public image of the city, encourages resident participation in city processes and programs, and fosters a sense of civic pride in the community.

The work performed requires a high degree of professional knowledge and expertise in communications and public relations. Incumbents operate independently and select appropriate methods to accomplish project assignments and make recommendations to management regarding complex issues; and may respond to sensitive and complicated inquiries or problems related to departmental programs or policies.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

In collaboration with city officials and staff, develops and implements an integrated citywide strategic communication plan to advance the city’s brand and broaden public awareness of its programs, projects and organizational priorities. Establishes and enforces brand messaging guidelines to ensure a consistent and unified voice across all platforms and departments.

Supervises assigned staff, including reviewing and approving timesheets; participates in hiring process for new employees and promotional positions; prepares and issues probationary and annual evaluations, provides feedback on areas of deficiency, applies corrective action, leads goal setting, and completes routine check‑ins with employees. Administers ongoing performance management. May recommend and issue appropriate level of discipline when warranted (e.g. coaching, verbal warning, written warning).

Directs the content, design and production of all public‑facing communications materials, including website and newsletter content; graphics, photo and video production; social media posts and news releases. Develops public information about city operations and services, including controversial public policy issues, and supports executive and management special projects.

Manages the city’s online presence including social media and the city website. Establishes and maintains city’s social media strategy, policies and protocols for online engagement. Monitors the city’s online reputation.

Serves as the primary city spokesperson for media inquiries. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with news media. Arranges interviews; prepares and delivers news releases and press briefings. Provides professional communications guidance and backup support to Police public information officers.

Provides in‑house consultation to elected officials and city staff with public involvement and public information activities; leads or assists in planning, designing, promoting and implementing these activities; assists in seeking community participation in the city’s decision‑making processes.

Responds to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally. Works closely with directors, managers, city officials and others regarding issues of public concern. Creates and executes crisis communication plans to protect the city’s reputation in challenging situations.

Monitors news media, social media and community conversations to gauge public sentiment about city programs and services. Recommends and implements strategies to encourage public understanding and participation. Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of communications campaigns by tracking key metrics and media coverage. Researches and recommends methods for improving community access to city government.

Represents the city as a public speaker and/or spokesperson in public events and as a member of community or regional groups or committees as assigned.

Responds to inquiries from the public and news media about city processes, programs and activities; ensures response by appropriate department as needed.

Coordinates public relations and community events such as ribbon‑cutting ceremonies and city‑related functions. Serves as or assigns city photographer as needed.

Leads internal cross‑departmental committees of city communications staff and website users’ group to share information and best practices. May provide staff training on relevant communications topics and practices.

May hire, supervise and direct work products of interns, temporary staff or contractors to complete priority work as needed.

Performs record‑keeping function by establishing and maintaining city’s publications, photographic, and video archives.

Oversees and coordinates operations and programming of the city’s community television channel (Comcast channel 21). Participates in negotiations for city’s cable franchise agreements and helps monitor compliance with terms of agreement.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in designing, planning, implementing and evaluating public information programs, including two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.

Experience in local government preferred.

Education And Training

Bachelor's degree in public administration, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or a closely related field.

Coursework in writing, strategic communications, media relations and digital marketing are beneficial.

Licenses Or Certificates

Must possess, or have the ability to possess within one month of hire date, a Washington State Driver’s License.

Must possess, or have the ability to possess within six months of hire date, first aid and CPR certifications.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move 10 to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position works primarily in an office where the noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate and may sometimes work outside in a variety of weather conditions. The incumbent regularly travels to events within or near the city.

This position works a regular schedule and is required to work some evenings and weekends to attend public meetings or other events.

This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

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