Communications / Media Manager

Salina Downtown Inc; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 56,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Salina, Kansas invites applications for a Communications / Media Manager in the City Manager’s Office. This leadership role guides media relations, digital communications, public awareness campaigns, and outreach on city services, projects and events.

The position emphasizes clear, timely information and strong collaboration across departments and with local media, communities, and emergency response partners.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Advise City leadership & departments on communications opportunities, public messaging, & sensitive issues; recommend 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.
• Organizes press conferences; supports emergency public-information operations; serves as Public Information Officer.
• Engages & informs citizens by providing timely, accurate, concise & strategic information regarding organizational initiatives, projects, services, & programs.
• Performs continual assessment & use of analytics to evaluate reach, public understanding, & effectiveness; builds 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.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Media engagement tools

Desktop publishing

Graphics software

Education

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

Tools

Desktop publishing

Graphics software

Job description

Job Title: Communications / Media Manager GR: 110 FLSA: Exempt

Department: City Manager's Office Division: Media

Reports To: City Manager or Deisgnee Approved: 09/28/2026 Job Code: CMO (NA)

Job Title: Communications / Media Manager GR: 110 FLSA: Exempt Department: City Manager's Office Division: Media Reports To: City Manager or Deisgnee Approved: 09/28/2026 Job Code: CMO (NA)

COMMUNICATIONS / MEDIA MANAGER

City of Salina, Kansas

City Manager’s Office

This position 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.
• Advise City leadership & departments on communications opportunities, public messaging, & sensitive issues; recommend 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

• Full pay range: $56,099-89,760/yr.
• Starting pay range: $56,099-58,926/yr.

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.

Application Deadline

• Until filled

The City of Salina is an E-Verify employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace

We consider applicants for all jobs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or familial status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department at 785-309-5710.

ADA Notice

For needed accommodations, please call 785-309-5745 Office or 785-309-5747 TDD Number between the hours of 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least 5 working days prior to the event.

TH 10/15/2026

City of Salina Human Resources Department

City/County Building

300 W. Ash Street, Room 200

Salina, KS 67401