Job Description
JOB DEFINITIONUnder general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the operations and staff of the Communications division; plans, develops, and administers a comprehensive, citywide communications and public information program to enhance public awareness, engagement, and participation in City programs, services, projects, and initiatives; participates in the development of division-wide policies, procedures, and operational strategies, and provides complex and responsible subject-matter support to the Assistant City Manager; and performs related duties as assigned. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the staff and operations of the Communications division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Communication division; plans, implements, and maintains a strategic, coordinated communications program that supports City communications and outreach goals and initiatives; manages the City website, email outreach, social media platforms, government access television, city radio station, and special events.Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.Oversees all City external communications and public relations activities, including planning, writing, editing, and distribution of press releases, public notices, informational materials, and digital content; ensures accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with the City’s brand and messaging standards.Manages the City’s official website and all social media platforms, including content strategy, editorial calendars, performance monitoring, and compliance with accessibility, public records, and transparency requirements.Serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO); responds to media inquiries, coordinates interviews, prepares statements and other external-facing communications; assists with crisis and emergency communications as needed; Plans, directs, and manages the development and operation of government access television programming, including oversight of CTV (The Calabasas Channel), live and recorded programming, public service announcements, web streaming, video archives, and related production activities.Researches, writes, directs, and oversees multimedia content production, including video, audio, photography, graphic design, web content, and social media promotions.Oversees the City’s visual identity and branding standards and maintains an organized digital photo and media archive documenting City events and history.Oversees communications-related professional services contracts, including media and public information consultants; coordinates contractor work, reviews deliverables, monitors performance, and ensures services align with City objectives and contractual requirements.Serves as a liaison and represents the City with other City departments and divisions, commissions, committees, outside agencies, contractors, and task forces, as required.Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files; ensures the proper documentation of division operations and activities.Attends and participates in professional organizations and meetings; monitors changes in regulations, best practices, and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.Ensures staff observe and comply with all