Community Relations Manager

Springbrook Software; Cottonwood (AZ); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cottonwood is seeking a Communications Manager to plan and manage a comprehensive city-wide media, community relations, and outreach program from City Hall. The role supports the Administration Department and coordinates with multiple city partners.

Under the City Manager's supervision, you will lead social media, website updates, press releases, crisis communications, and public information efforts, ensuring accurate and timely messaging to residents and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Public or business administration, or related field.
• Two years’ experience in developing and implementing a communications program, extensive media interactions, or related government/public operations.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and maintains a comprehensive city-wide communication plan.
• Advises City management on current and long-range communication policies and practices.
• Develops and updates social media policies and media relations guidelines.
• Acts as City spokesperson and liaison with media, public, and business inquiries.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Crisis communication

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

Location: City Hall

Department: Administration

Compensation: Hourly Rate USD $30.05 - $45.08

Employment type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision of the City Manager, develops,organizes, directs, and evaluates a comprehensive media, community relations,communications, marketing, and outreach program. Provides administrative,technical, and customer service support to the Administration Department whennecessary and performs other duties as assigned.

TASKS:

The duties listed below represent the primaryresponsibilities for this position. Employees may not be required to performall duties and may be assigned additional duties as needed.

Develops, implements andmaintains a comprehensive City-wide communication plan utilizing various meansand outlets. Advises City management in the development and implementation ofeffective current and long-range communication policies, plan, and practiceswhich enhance its relations with the public. Develops strategies and advise onappropriate information dissemination procedures regarding significant issues,programs, projects, and services.

Develops, implements, andmaintains a City-wide social media strategy that incorporates the needs ofindividual departments. Provides advice and assistance on effective socialmedia and public information methods, procedures, and outreach. Develops,implements, and updates as necessary, clear policies and guidelines related tothe topics of social media and media relations in conjunction with CityAdministration.

Manages the City’s website toensure it provides accurate, up-to-date information to the public. Plans andpresents training relating to communications, social media, and customerservice.

Works in conjunction with theMarketing and Public Information Specialist to develop digital and physicalmaterials for departmental or Citywide communication initiatives or campaigns,including but not limited to brochures, flyers, reports, fact sheets,presentations, videos, newsletters, public services announcements, publicstatements, and press releases.

Plans, coordinates, and collectsdata regarding public outreach effectiveness to develop effective communicationstrategies. Engages the community through the development of online surveys andpolls, along with in-person outreach and discussions.

Serves as the City’sspokesperson before public groups and acts as a liaison between the city and thepublic. Acts as City representative in communication and information-based activitiesby responding to media, citizen, and business inquiries. Develops and maintains regular contacts withradio, television, print, and digital media outlets. Works closely with the media and other strategic alliance partners to promote transparency,information sharing, and other needs Cottonwood and its departments and events, tactfully maintainingconfidentiality when necessary. Maintains effective relationships with civic,corporate, and educational organizations.

Develops and execute crisismanagement plans to communicate with internal and external audiences duringemergencies. Participates in the planning and training for emergency situationsand is a member of the Emergency Operations Team.

Communicatesand coordinates regularly with appropriate departments to maximize theeffectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;ensures potential visitors and businesses have access to accurate informationand efficient processes and procedures through its interdepartmentaloperations, activities and communications. Aligns departmental work to thevision, mission, and strategic objectives of the City as set by City Council.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Thisclassification is in an office environment requiring mostly sedentary activitiesfor the majority of the workday, however, some projects may require outdooractivities on uneven terrain. Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, usehands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms., and lift up to 10pounds. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift and moveup to 50 pounds. Must have hearing andspeaking ability sufficient to clearly and concisely communicate in person andover the telephone. Must have sufficient close, distance, color, and peripheralvision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to perform the duties ofthe position. Must be capable of operating motor vehicles safely for requiredtravel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’sDegree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing,Public Relations, Public or business administration, or related field and two years’experience in the development and implementation of a communications program,extensive media interactions, or relevant work on policy analysis, governmentadministration, law, or business operations, or other related field, or anycombination of education and experience demonstrating the ability tosuccessfully perform the duties of the position. Additional experience incustomer service, community engagement, marketing, and developing andimplementing communication strategies is desirable. Must possess or be able topossess upon hire a valid State of Arizona Driver’s License.

Job Posting Community Relations Manager 10-26.pdf

180- Community Relations Manager 2026.doc