What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Manager position at City of Tigard, OR?
Overview
OUR PURPOSE
At the City of Tigard, our talented, industrious, and innovative municipal government professionals have been providing essential services and recreational spaces to Tigard’s growing community for over 60 years. City of Tigard team members enjoy meaningful work, a diverse and inclusive culture of belonging, job specific flexibilities and opportunities for growth and advancement. Incorporated in 1961, Tigard is Oregon’s 12th largest city and is part of the Portland metropolitan area.
OUR VALUES
At Team Tigard, we are the ambassadors of our municipal services to the members of our community. We aspire to treat all people with dignity, respect, and care; to demonstrate the equitable and sustainable practices that are environmentally and fiscally sound, and to engage with each other as trusted colleagues to achieve excellence in all we do. We do the right things, and we get things done.
OUR VALUES
At Team Tigard, we are the ambassadors of our municipal services to the members of our community. We aspire to treat all people with dignity, respect, and care; to demonstrate the equitable and sustainable practices that are environmentally and fiscally sound, and to engage with each other as trusted colleagues to achieve excellence in all we do. We do the right things, and we get things done.
Examples of Duties
- Lead citywide communications and engagement initiatives that raise visibility, build trust, and strengthen relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners.
- Lead the development of a citywide strategic communications plan, support the city’s communications efforts for the Police and Public Works Facility Project, Building a Better Tigard, as well as other key initiatives outlined in the City Council’s Goals for 2025-2026.
- Serve as the City’s spokesperson and Public Information Officer, managing high-profile media relations and telling the City’s story in compelling, creative ways, including through various mediums and methods (e.g., podcasts, newsletters)
- Oversee the City’s brand, website, and social media presence—setting the tone, style, and direction for digital campaigns and public messaging.
- Mentor, lead, and develop a talented team of communications professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
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/Training: Bachelor's degree with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism or related field.
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Five (5) years or more of increasingly responsible experience in communications, public information/relations programs or related work with an emphasis on managing external communications, marketing, public engagement and public information programs including proven project management skills; and at least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
- Experience working in the public sector, and an understanding of political considerations and opportunities in communicating with elected officials, between jurisdictions, to a constituency, stakeholder group, or audience with various levels of engagement
- Direct experience working with the news media to address requests, and provide proactive information sharing and messaging
- Familiarity with developing talking points, key messages, or communications strategy for elected officials at events, for media interviews, or for publication.
- Familiarity with communications tools, including Granicus, Mailchimp, CivicAccess, Hootsuite, and a willingness to help the City evolve its tools for best practice.
Supplemental Information
Union: not applicable for this position
Schedule:
Schedule:
- City Hall is open Monday-Thursday 8:00a.m-6:00p.m.
- This position has flexibility in schedule; with options for a 4/10 schedule: four 10-hour days per week (Monday-Thursday) 7:00a.m-6:00p.m or 5/8 schedule (Monday-Friday) if preferred.
- Evening or weekend work is required for public meetings and community events, with advance notice.
- Hybrid and remote work options are available in alignment with the City’s Remote Work Policy.
How to apply: Please apply online. We do not accept applications via email. Applications must be received by Human Resources by the closing time/date.
IMPORTANT: In lieu of resumes and cover letters, the City of Tigard evaluates each applicant's work history and responses to supplemental questions. Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience.
ATTENTION VETERANS: To receive veterans' preference, please upload your DD214/Separation documentation.