Communications / Media Manager

Communications / Media Manager

City of Salina, Kansas: City Manager’s Office

Apply Directly with the City of Salina

Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov

The Communications/Media Manager plays a vital role in connecting the City of Salina with the people it serves through clear & timely public information. This long-term leadership opportunity helps strengthen community engagement by guiding media relations, digital communications, public awareness campaigns, & outreach on City services, projects, & events. The position makes a meaningful impact on Salina by ensuring residents have accessible information & opportunities to stay informed, involved, & prepared—including during emergencies.

With broad collaboration across City departments, local media, & community organizations, this role offers a rewarding chance to translate important municipal initiatives into communications that benefit the entire community. The position combines purposeful public service with a primarily office-based work environment & flexibility to support occasional irregular scheduling needs, promoting a sustainable balance between professional responsibility & personal life.

Duties

• Serves as principal media contact & spokesperson, supporting transparent & timely public information.

• Develops proactive communications/marketing strategies
• coordinates responses to media inquiries & emerging issues
• oversees content across web, social media, video, print, & other channels
• supports public communications during emergencies & incidents.

• Advises City leadership & departments on communications opportunities, public messaging, & sensitive issues; recommends strategies to bring public attention to & involvement with initiatives.

Produces educational & informational news content related to City services, functions, & events; prepares & launches a variety of promotional messages & public awareness campaigns in various formats, including press releases, newsletters, professional journals, website content, public presentations, videos, radio shows, mail campaigns, media outlets, & social media venues to assist in educational & branding efforts.

• Organizes press conferences; supports emergency public-information operations, including coordination with emergency management; serves as Public Information Officer.

Engages & informs citizens by providing timely, accurate, concise & strategic information regarding organizational initiatives, projects, services, & programs; meets with citizens, neighborhood organizations & other groups to answer questions & provide service information.

• Performs continual assessment & use of analytics to evaluate reach, public understanding, & effectiveness; builds collaborative partnerships with local media, agencies, & organizations.
• Reviews organizational webpages & other electronic forms of information to make recommendations regarding form of message, content, timeliness, communication approach & grammar.
• Manages open records requests & approves release of City information in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act.
• Direct oversight of division staff.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, journalism, public relations or related field.

Experience

• Strong communication skills; demonstrated competency regarding the use of current electronic media & engagement tools, desktop publishing, & graphics software.
• Three (3) years of public relations, marketing or relevant work experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid Kansas driver’s license required.

Work Type

Light, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Works inside with limited work outside.

Equipment

Calculator, computer, copy machine, fax machine, printer, scanner, tablet, telephone, & video camera.

Hours

Monday – Friday.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Attends meetings outside of normal office hours.

Compensation DOQ EOE

Paid Time Off

60 hours of vacation available upon hire; additional 60 hours earned during the year (120 hours in first year).

96 hours of sick leave during first year.

Benefits Summary

Position Description

Application Deadline: Until filled

Apply Directly with the City of Salina

Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov

Important: Uploading a resume or profile through this platform does not complete your application. You must complete an application for employment directly with the City of Salina to be considered.

Contact Information

City of Salina

Human Resources Department

The City of Salina is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace.