Strategic Communications Manager

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday
Some evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response assignments as needed

Passionate about storytelling, public service, and connecting with your community? We're looking for a creative and organized communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can deliver timely, accurate information during both everyday operations and critical incidents.

What You'll Do

As the Strategic Communications Manager, you'll help manage the Police Department's digital communications, social media presence, and public messaging. Working closely with the Director of Strategic Communications, you'll create engaging content, support media relations, promote community engagement, and help ensure accurate, transparent communication with the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Department's social media accounts and digital content calendar
• Create and publish social media content, graphics, videos, photography, recruitment campaigns, and public safety messaging
• Assist with news releases, media advisories, public statements, talking points, and crisis communications
• Monitor social media activity, respond to emerging issues, and help address misinformation
• Support communications during major incidents, community events, and emergency situations
• Maintain website content, communication templates, and digital resources
• Track social media performance and prepare engagement and analytics reports
• Attend community events, press conferences, and other assigned public information activities
• Ensure communications are professional, accurate, accessible, and consistent with Department standards
• Protect confidential and sensitive law enforcement information

What You Bring | Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, social media management, government communications, or a related field
• Experience managing professional social media platforms and creating digital content
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience with media relations, crisis communications, or public safety communications preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in law enforcement, emergency management, local government, or public safety communications
• Bilingual in Spanish or Burmese

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Social media management and content strategy
• Graphic design, photography, and video content creation
• Website content management and digital communications
• Media relations and public information
• Crisis communication and emergency messaging
• Microsoft Office Suite and social media analytics tools
• Accessibility best practices, including captions, alt text, and plain-language writing

Why Work for the City of Fort Wayne?

Join a team dedicated to keeping the community informed, engaged, and connected. As the Strategic Communications Manager, you'll help tell the Department's story, build public trust, support community outreach, and provide clear, accurate communication during both everyday operations and critical public safety events. Your work will have a direct impact on how the Department connects with the people it serves.

Equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $82,500 - $85,000