Please review the Communications Manager Recruitment Brochure Are you a creative, versatile storyteller who wants to build a city's communications program from the ground up? If so, apply to become the City of Festus's first-ever Communications Manager! Reporting to the City Administrator, the Communications Manager leads public information, marketing, and community engagement for this growing, full-service city in the St. Louis metro region. This is a newly created, hands-on role with no direct reports, but featuring wide latitude, direct visibility to City leadership, and the chance to define how Festus tells its story. What You'll Do
- Serve as the City's primary media contact: write news releases and fact sheets, coordinate news conferences, and respond to media inquiries
- Advise the City Administrator and department directors on public information, media relations, and communication strategy
- Lead strategy and content for the City's website and social media platforms, using analytics to measure and improve results
- Serve as managing editor of the City newsletter and other citywide publications
- Create original graphics, marketing materials, photography, and video for print and digital channels, and ensure consistent use of the City's brand
- Partner with the Tourism and Recreation Director and other departments to promote City programs, festivals, and special events
- Design civic engagement strategies and coordinate periodic employee and citizen surveys; track engagement and report results to the City Administrator
- Coordinate a citizen response program, working with departments to track and resolve service requests and inquiries
- Provide crisis and emergency communications during severe weather, outages, and other urgent incidents, in coordination with emergency management officials
- Operate Council Chambers audio and video equipment and livestream Council and other public meetings
- Prepare and monitor the communications budget, manage third-party communications contracts, and ensure content meets AP Style and ADA digital accessibility standards
Salary:
Expected Starting Salary $60,000 Salary: $59,926.40 – $77,667.20 annually, (Global Range 25; $28.33–$37.30/hr Full-Time, Exempt
Benefits:
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays; Missouri LAGERS pension, 401(a), and optional deferred compensation.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field; 2–4 years of progressively responsible communications, public relations, or marketing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree with 5+ years of progressive communications experience, including media relations, digital and social media, and budgeting; public-sector or municipal communications experience; professional communications certification (e.g., APR); proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar design and video tools. To Apply: For questions or to apply, submit a cover letter, resume, three work samples or a portfolio link, and three professional references to City Administrator Ben DeClue at bdeclue@festusmo.gov. The City of Festus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Miscellaneous Information Work Environment: Primarily office-based, Monday–Friday; regular evening and weekend work for Council meetings and City events, and availability for urgent or emergency communications. Offer contingent on background check and drug screening.