Overview
The Community Engagement and Communication Manager functions as a public representative of Animal Care Services, engaging with the community through customer care, volunteer management, adoption and rescue coordination and outreach initiatives. Reporting directly to the department's director, the individual is responsible for creating and implementing programs that respond to customers and educate the public about animal welfare, pet adoption, and responsible pet ownership. The position supervises the Administrative Support staff who are often the first contact the public has with Animal Care Services and are key to providing excellent customer service. It also supervises staff responsible for media relations, pet adoptions, rescue partner animal transfers, volunteer management and the foster program. Additional responsibilities include community engagement and development educational programs, managing public relations, advocating for important causes, conducting outreach, and organizing events
Responsibilities
- Oversee a team of five employees whose roles are essential to program effectiveness, customer service, and the public perception of the agency
- Engage in one-on-one with each staff member they supervise to ensure positive and effective work habits and ethics
- Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to staff to enhance their skills in communication, management, event planning, public speaking, and engagement activities. Additionally, they will ensure that staff maintain high standards of customer service by active listening and treating community members with compassion and professionalism
- Promote effective communication and collaboration with the various divisions of the operation to ensure consistency and cohesiveness
- Responsible for oversight of the department’s outreach activities including social media, the website, responding to public officials, City leadership, the press and the public. This role involves supervising the Community Relations Specialist and ensuring that messaging remains strategic and consistent across all communication channels
- Establish media partnerships with local newspapers, TV stations, and radio outlets to highlight shelter success stories, animal rescues, adoption drives, and community and fundraising events
- Draft and review press releases and announcements, with assistance from the Community Relations Specialist
- Create compelling press releases regarding shelter initiatives, new programs, and important rescue efforts
- Handle critical crisis communication by managing public relations challenges, such as addressing concerns about shelter operations or responding transparently to specific incidents
- Engage in public speaking and represent the department, serving as the spokesperson ensuring all outreach aligns with its mission and values
- Supervises the Volunteer Coordinator and supports them in developing a strong and engaged volunteer team
- Collaborate on outreach strategies to design effective recruitment campaigns that leverage social media, local events, and generate volunteer partnerships primarily with individuals, but also including schools and businesses
- Ensure that the Volunteer Coordinator adheres to efficient and effective processes for recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer engagement
- Provide guidance on resolving conflicts or concerns raised by volunteers and collaborate on improvements to keep volunteers motivated and committed to the shelter’s mission
- Develop and execute special events for Animal Care Services. This will include the shelter's various events, for example adoption days, outreach activities, pet owner education and safety workshops—receive wide visibility through both digital and traditional media
- Coordinate community events and fairs, where the department will set up informational booths at neighborhood festivals and local expos to educate the public about adoption and shelter programs, such as volunteering and fostering
· May be asked to perform other duties as assigned
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work
· Exempt – Full-Time
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
· In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS)
· Four (4) year of experience
Licenses and Certifications
Required
· A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire
Employment Testing
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
· Criminal Background Check: Yes
· Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes
· Drug Screening: Yes
· Physical Exam: Yes
Basis of Rating
A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.
Supplemental Information
- Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.
The City of Corpus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
