Communications & Engagement Manager

City of Collegedale; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Collegedale is seeking a Communications & Engagement Manager to oversee its community communication efforts. This role includes managing the city's social media and ensuring engagement with residents through clear messaging and effective outreach strategies.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and ideally 1-4 years of experience in communications. The position offers a hybrid work model with a strong focus on community engagement and public relations.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of professional experience in communications or related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience with website content management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage city social media platforms and content creation.
• Write and distribute city news releases and community alerts.
• Collaborate with departments for clear communication.
• Build and maintain relationships with media and organizations.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Content development and storytelling

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Social media management

Project management and leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Under general supervision of the City Manager, the Communications & Engagement Manager coordinates the development, implementation, and support of the City's community engagement, public, and internal communication efforts. Acting as a strategic guide and partner to all departments, the incumbent fosters a culture of transparency and accessibility by providing staff with the tools and guidance needed to uphold high communication standards and effectively tell the City’s story. The position works with subject‑matters expert staff to disseminate complex, sensitive, and high‑profile information regarding the city programs, projects, policies, initiatives, and events, as well as manages the City’s website, email marketing, unified graphics, and digital platforms with a focus on user experience. The position manages the City’s broad marketing programs and outreach efforts, utilizing creative outreach strategies to build authentic connections with diverse populations within the community. Furthermore, the Communications & Engagement Manager is a core member of the City’s Emergency Management Team, ensuring that emergency communications are inclusive, accessible, and reach all members of the Collegedale community. Additionally, the Communications & Engagement Manager supports the City’s legislative and intergovernmental advocacy, leveraging strategic communications to advance policy initiatives and support the City’s competitive position for grant funding.

Applications will be reviewed on 7/1/2026.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Reports to: City Manager

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Hybrid – 80% On Site; 20% Remote/Off Site

Work Hours: M – F, 8 AM – 5 PM

Overview

The Communications & Engagement Manager serves as the city’s primary public communicator and brand ambassador, responsible for managing social media, creating content, engaging with residents, and supporting policy communication.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage city social media platforms, including content creation, scheduling, engagement, and analytics monitoring
• Write and distribute city news releases, newsletters, announcements, and community alerts
• Maintain and update city website content for clarity, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Be a public face of the city — represent the City at public events, community meetings, and in some media engagements
• Support live coverage of city events; coordinate media logistics when needed
• Collaborate with departments to translate complex policies, initiatives, and programs into clear, resident-friendly language
• Assist with drafting ordinances, resolutions, and policy documents
• Build and maintain relationships with local media and community organizations
• Monitor media coverage affecting city reputation and coordinate responses when needed
• Produce digital media content (graphics, photos, and videos) to advance city communications and public engagement
• Track performance metrics and recommend improvements for digital engagement and outreach
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• One (1) to four (4) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, social media management, marketing, public affairs, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and tactfully with diverse audiences.
• Strong content development, storytelling, editing, and public engagement skills across print, digital, web, and social media platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using website content management systems, social media platforms, analytics tools, and graphic/video design software such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent.
• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills, with attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and supervise assigned staff or projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, community stakeholders, media representatives, public agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds as needed for meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Ability to speak before groups, represent the organization at public meetings and events, and respond effectively under varying conditions.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, holidays, and special events, and to respond to communications‑related needs as required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to successfully complete a background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for any part of the application, testing, or hiring process should notify the employer in advance. Employment is contingent upon verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal law. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees are valued and respected.