Public Relations & Community Branding Manager

City of Auburn Hills; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Auburn Hills is seeking a seasoned Communications professional to serve as Community Relations Manager, shaping public messaging and promoting downtown development and the local business community.

You will lead media relations, draft communications, manage crisis messaging, and supervise staff, coordinating with departments to plan events and enhance branding for the city. Evening and weekend events may be required, with leadership responsibilities over multiple channels.

Qualifications

• Translate complex policy into clear public messaging.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of modern marketing, media, and public relations techniques; plus extensive public interaction.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud tools in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary media contact and on-camera spokesperson.
• Drafts press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and talking points.
• Manages a proactive crisis communication strategy to protect the City’s reputation.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and editors.
• Develop rapid response strategies to mitigate negative publicity.
• Coach leadership before interviews, press conferences, and public hearings.
• Oversee the administrative activities of the communications and marketing functions.
• Oversee all digital billboard advertisements and lead site coordination for Auburn Hills.

Skills

Policy translation

Deadline management

Public relations principles

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe After Effects

Adobe InDesign

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Media Relations, Journalism or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe After Effects

Adobe InDesign

Job description

The City of Auburn Hills is seeking a seasoned Communications professional to serve as Community Relations Manager, shaping public messaging and promoting downtown development and the local business community.

You will lead media relations, draft communications, manage crisis messaging, and supervise staff, coordinating with departments to plan events and enhance branding for the city. Evening and weekend events may be required, with leadership responsibilities over multiple channels.