The City of Kettering is recruiting for the position of:
COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Salary up to $134,534.40 annually
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
OPERS retirement
Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave and Holiday Pay
Candidates who are interested in this opportunity should apply via our online application portal at www.ketteringoh.org/jobs and attach a resume and cover letter.
Submission Deadline: 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, August 10, 2026
The City of Kettering is currently seeking a Full-Time Communications and Engagement Manager, responsible for hands on development, supervision, and management of all mediums of communication with the community, including, but not limited to, traditional and digital communications, marketing, public affairs, and media relations. The Communications and Engagement Manager also oversees and administers the preparation of all print and electronic publications, City social media accounts, dissemination of appropriate information to residents and is responsible for overall City branding, promotions, and advancing a positive image of the City. This position oversees a small staff and coordinates the preparation and distribution of various media communiques regarding City services, projects and policies; coordinates and implements public information projects and programs for the City; directs various City multi-media programming and production activities; implements City policies related to the City's communications, image and reputation; carries out special communication projects; and performs duties as a staff liaison to various boards, committees, groups and councils, on behalf of, and/or at the direction of the City Manager.
You will have the opportunity to:
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Be a part of a dynamic leadership team;
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Develop a strategy to continuously share Kettering’s story; highlighting our great team, services and community;
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Implement and manage the City’s updated brand guidelines;
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Oversee the City’s social media accounts;
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Act as the managing editor of the quarterly magazine distributed citywide;
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Work with the team to originate, plan, research and compose news items, news articles, media releases, stories, bulletins, speeches, web pages, reports, letters, scripts and marketing materials;
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Serve as lead administrator for City website, responsible for oversight of content generation, updates and training;
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Serve as lead communicator to public crisis or emergency situations;
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Coordinate media coverage;
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Identify and recommend public relations opportunities;
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Prepare and/or deliver speeches and presentations on City programs, services and policies;
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Assist with and produce the "Mayor's State of the City" address.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of current principles, practices, techniques and objectives of public information and media relations programs, marketing, social media, graphic design, public administration and project management; advanced knowledge and abilities in mass communication using various media, public speaking and written communications; some knowledge of the principles and practices of economics, statistics, group behavior and dynamics, sociology, and municipal administration. Must be articulate and concise in written and oral communications with excellent command of the English language and outstanding writing, editing skills, research and interview techniques. Familiarity with design and layout for marketing brochures, flyers and newsletters is required. Must have the skills necessary to develop and lead staff; excellent problem-solving skills; the ability to design and develop a variety of promotional and informational materials; the ability to plan, organize and implement special events; the ability to coordinate activities with other groups and agencies; the ability to oversee website development and understand municipal operations to formulate and implement comprehensive communication plans.
Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in public administration, business management, journalism, mass media communications or public relations and a degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, public administration, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the skills and abilities. Master's degree a plus, in one of the mentioned specialties.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Communications and Engagement Manager performs professional and supervisory work and is responsible for hands on development, supervision, and management of all mediums of communication with the community, including, but not limited to, traditional and digital communications, marketing, public affairs, media relations and multi-media productions. The Communications and Engagement Manager also oversees and administers the preparation of all print and electronic publications, City social media accounts, dissemination of appropriate information to residents and is responsible for overall City branding, promotions, and advancing a positive image of the City.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:
The employee in this position reports to and is under the general supervision of the City Manager and/or Assistant City Managers. This employee oversees a small staff and coordinates the preparation and distribution of various media communiques regarding City services, projects and policies; coordinates and implements public information projects and programs for the City; under the supervision of the City Manager and/or Assistant City Managers, directs various City multi-media programming and production activities; implements City policies related to the City's communications, image and reputation; performs duties and carries out special communication projects for the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Managers, Department Directors and other staff; performs duties a staff liaison to various boards, committees, groups and councils, on behalf of, and/or at the direction of the City Manager or Assistant City Managers; and performs other related duties as assigned. This professional position requires advanced communications skills, both written and oral, and demonstrated experience with communication project management. The employee must exercise personal initiative and independent professional judgment on a daily basis.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of current principles, practices, techniques and objectives of public information and media relations programs, marketing, graphic design, public administration and project management; advanced knowledge and abilities in mass communication using various media, public speaking and written communications; some knowledge of the principles and practices of economics, statistics, group behavior and dynamics, sociology, and municipal administration. Must be articulate and concise in written and oral communications; must have excellent command of the English language.
Outstanding writing, editing skills, research and interview techniques are essential. Familiarity with design and layout for marketing brochures, flyers and newsletters is required. Must have the skills necessary to develop and lead staff; excellent problem-solving skills; the ability to design and develop a variety of promotional and informational materials; the ability to plan, organize and implement special events; the ability to coordinate activities with other groups and agencies; the ability to oversee website development and understand municipal operations to formulate and implement comprehensive communication plans; the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, employees, officials, other agencies, other jurisdictions and vendors; the ability to communicate orally with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, one-on-one, face-to-face setting, and in group settings; the ability to work independently; and the ability to define, develop, propose and implement goals and objectives. Must possess excellent project management and public speaking skills, as well as advanced computer skills.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Minimum of three(3) years of experience in public administration, business management, journalism, mass media communications or public relations and a degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the skills and abilities. Master's degree a plus, in one of the mentioned specialties.
