Public Communications Manager

The Public Communications Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing comprehensive communication, branding, marketing, and community engagement strategies for Bryan Municipal Utilities. This position serves as the central point of contact for internal and external communications and is responsible for ensuring consistent messaging, professional branding, and effective public outreach across all platforms. This role supports organizational goals by strengthening public trust, improving transparency, enhancing community relationships, and ensuring clear and timely communication with customers, employees, media outlets, and community partners. The position also supports internal engagement initiatives, including employee appreciation events, and may be required to attend after-hours meetings, community events, or emergency response situations as needed. Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Utilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies to support Bryan Municipal Utilities’ mission and services
• Maintain and manage organizational branding, ensuring consistency in tone, messaging, and visual identity
• Design and produce multimedia materials including newsletters, brochures, presentations, reports, and public information materials
• Manage website content, updates, and overall digital presence
• Create and manage social media content and online engagement strategies
• Develop advertising and public awareness campaigns as needed

Public Information and Media Relations

• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, public notices, and official communications
• Serve as a liaison with local media outlets and coordinate media inquiries as appropriate
• Ensure accurate and timely public information is distributed through multiple communication channels
• Coordinate audio recording and posting of public meetings for transparency and public access

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Plan, organize, and promote community engagement initiatives and events
• Coordinate facility tours, open houses, and public informational events
• Develop and implement outreach programs with schools, civic organizations, and community groups
• Schedule and support presentations to Rotary Clubs, chambers of commerce, and other civic organizations
• Coordinate participation in Public Power Week, National Drinking Water Week, and other public awareness initiatives
• Support BMU staff participation in community events and volunteer activities

Internal Communications and Employee Engagement

• Develop internal communication materials such as employee newsletters and organizational announcements
• Coordinate employee spotlight features, internal engagement initiatives, and employee appreciation events
• Assist with employee recognition communications and internal branding efforts
• Manage employee photography, badges, and public-facing staff identification materials

Emergency Communications

• Develop and maintain emergency communication protocols and messaging templates
• Coordinate public messaging during outages, emergencies, and service disruptions
• Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of critical information during high-impact events
• Work closely with leadership to support coordinated response communications

General Administrative and Coordination Duties

• Collaborate with department heads to align communication strategies with organizational priorities
• Maintain organized records of communication materials and outreach efforts
• Serve as occasional backup support for front office phones and walk-in customer traffic as needed
• Monitor effectiveness of communication strategies and recommend improvements

Knowledge of: The position requires knowledge of public communications principles, marketing and branding practices, and effective community engagement strategies. Familiarity with media relations, public information dissemination, and crisis or emergency communication practices are important. Knowledge of municipal operations or public utility environments is highly desirable, along with an understanding of how to communicate complex technical information to the general public in a clear and accessible manner.

Skill in: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to write press releases, public notices, and engaging content for multiple platforms. The position requires skills in digital communications, including website management, social media content creation, and basic graphic design or multimedia development. Strong organizational skills, project management abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines are also critical.

Ability to: The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leadership, media representatives, and community stakeholders is required. The role must be able to work independently while also collaborating across departments to align messaging and outreach efforts. The ability to think strategically, respond effectively during high-pressure or emergency situations, and maintain professionalism in all public-facing interactions is essential.

QUALIFICATIONS: An example of acceptable qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is preferred. A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or community engagement is required, with 5+ years preferred, ideally in a municipal or public sector environment.; or equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, and residency per Ohio Revised Code 9.481 within one (1) year of employment.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person