JOB
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the operations and staff of the Communications division; plans, develops, and administers a comprehensive, citywide communications and public information program to enhance public awareness, engagement, and participation in City programs, services, projects, and initiatives; participates in the development of division-wide policies, procedures, and operational strategies, and provides complex and responsible subject-matter support to the Assistant City Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the staff and operations of the Communications division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Communication division; plans, implements, and maintains a strategic, coordinated communications program that supports City communications and outreach goals and initiatives; manages the City website, email outreach, social media platforms, government access television, city radio station, and special events.
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Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
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Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
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Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
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Oversees all City external communications and public relations activities, including planning, writing, editing, and distribution of press releases, public notices, informational materials, and digital content; ensures accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with the City’s brand and messaging standards.
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Manages the City’s official website and all social media platforms, including content strategy, editorial calendars, performance monitoring, and compliance with accessibility, public records, and transparency requirements.
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Serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO); responds to media inquiries, coordinates interviews, prepares statements and other external-facing communications; assists with crisis and emergency communications as needed;
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Plans, directs, and manages the development and operation of government access television programming, including oversight of CTV (The Calabasas Channel), live and recorded programming, public service announcements, web streaming, video archives, and related production activities.
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Researches, writes, directs, and oversees multimedia content production, including video, audio, photography, graphic design, web content, and social media promotions.
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Oversees the City’s visual identity and branding standards and maintains an organized digital photo and media archive documenting City events and history.
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Oversees communications-related professional services contracts, including media and public information consultants; coordinates contractor work, reviews deliverables, monitors performance, and ensures services align with City objectives and contractual requirements.
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Serves as a liaison and represents the City with other City departments and divisions, commissions, committees, outside agencies, contractors, and task forces, as required.
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Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files; ensures the proper documentation of division operations and activities.
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Attends and participates in professional organizations and meetings; monitors changes in regulations, best practices, and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
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Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
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Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Experience:
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Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or a closely related field, in a public sector, nonprofit, or comparable organizational environment.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.
Training and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: a Bachelor's degree, Masters preferred, in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field. Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, or performing a variety of professional level administrative support activities for a public agency or community organization including supervisory experience, in the public or private sector.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging 20 pounds and up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
City employees may be required to work extended hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays to meet the City’s operational needs; employees also serve as a Disaster Service Worker during emergencies consistent with California Government Code Sections 3100-3109.
