Communications Manager

City of Lufkin; Lufkin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lufkin is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its internal and external communications program. You will serve as the primary advisor on messaging, media relations, and public engagement, ensuring a consistent city brand and clear information across channels.

You will collaborate with City leadership to develop integrated plans, manage multiple projects, and train staff in effective communications, including during emergencies. Strong writing and strategic thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations; municipal or public sector experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communication plans across multiple platforms and audiences.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive citywide communications strategy across print, digital, social media, and other platforms.
• Partner with City departments to identify needs and ensure messaging reflects brand and service standards.
• Serve as primary media liaison, coordinate interviews and press conferences, manage media relationships.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, advisories, statements, newsletters, and website/social content.
• Provide media-relations training and public-information guidance to staff and officials.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; adjust strategies as needed.
• Track and report communications performance metrics for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate public-engagement efforts, community events, outreach campaigns, and emergency communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Public engagement

Writing and storytelling

Project management

Public information principles

Cross-department collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism/Marketing

Job description

POSITION: Communications Manager

DEPARTMENT: Administration

Pay: Depends On Qualifications

DESCRIPTION

The Communications Manager leads the City's internal and external communications program and serves as the primary advisor on communications strategy, messaging, media relations, and public engagement. Working collaboratively with City leadership and departments, this position develops and implements coordinated communications that promote a consistent City brand, clear public information, and alignment with the City's strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations; municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communication plans across multiple platforms and audiences.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local government operations, policies, procedures, and issues affecting local government.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media and public relations techniques, and strategic marketing.
• Knowledgeable of digital media formats and emerging communication technologies.
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act preferred.
• Skilled in writing, editing, and storytelling, with the ability to translate policy and operational information into clear, accurate, and compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to develop and implement integrated communication plans across multiple channels while maintaining a consistent City brand and voice.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports, technical documents, and City policies, and present information clearly to varied audiences.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and communicate effectively during routine, sensitive, and emergencies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-departmental team without direct supervisory responsibility.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive citywide communications strategy that advances the City's brand, strategic priorities, services, programs, and initiatives across print, digital, social media, and other communication platforms.
• Partner with City departments to identify communication needs, develop clear and audience-specific messaging, and ensure that all public-facing materials consistently reflect the City's brand, voice, and service standards.
• Serve as the City's primary media liaison by responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and press conferences, facilitating timely and accurate information sharing, and managing relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Draft, edit, review, and distribute press releases, media advisories, official statements, newsletters, articles, website content, social media content, and other internal and external communication materials.
• Provide media-relations training, communication guidance, and public-information coaching to City staff and elected officials to support professional, effective, and consistent public communication.
• Monitor media coverage, social media activity, online engagement, public sentiment, and emerging issues; recommend and implement communication strategies as appropriate.
• Track, analyze, and report communications performance metrics; use findings to evaluate effectiveness and recommend continuous improvement.
• Plan and coordinate public-engagement initiatives, community events, civic programs, outreach campaigns, stakeholder communications, and crisis or emergency communications efforts that promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and encourage civic participation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is an essential service position and will require providing services during emergencies. Visit our website www.cityoflufkin.com or contact the Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd Ave., Suite 226, Lufkin, TX 75901, Phone [phone]