The City of Menlo Park is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Engagement Manager to join the City Manager’s Office. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead effective communications and engagement programs for the diverse population of Menlo Park. This is a vital position that provides top-tier communications support across the entire City organization. The Public Engagement Manager should be a subject matter expert with in-depth knowledge of modern communication tools and the ability build relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members. The position requires an adaptable and strategic mindset to take on new projects and advise senior staff on complex topics.

The Department

The City Manager’s Office includes Administration, City Clerk, Communications and Public Engagement, Economic Development, and Sustainability.

The Communications and Public Engagement Division provides strategic communications counsel and support to city departments, manages citywide communications and oversees the city brand strategy. Roles include developing policy and procedures related to communications and public outreach, advising on communications and consultation planning, news release distribution, overseeing the city’s online presence including social media and website content and standards, and providing multimedia communications support. This division provides information related to city services and programs to residents, the media, and internal departments. It also supports the organizational needs related to crisis communications, graphic design, advertising, public research, public engagement and translation services.

The Position

Under general direction, develops, organizes and leads a strategic citywide public engagement program; manages the effective use of program resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with various public and private groups; provides highly complex and responsible support to the assigned supervisor and City Manager’s Office; and performs related duties as assigned.

Example job functions include:

• Advises city staff on the planning and implementation of the City’s public engagement efforts.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, procedures, and work standards for public engagement efforts; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, services, and staff levels.
• Recommends strategies, policies, and procedures necessary to support city goals and objectives using a City Council adopted public engagement framework.
• Evaluates direct report employee performance, counsels and trains employees, and effectively recommends disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Represents the city in meetings and events with representatives from other jurisdictions and agencies, private sector organizations, non-profits, community groups, and members of the general public. Identifies and establishes a comprehensive centralized database of potential stakeholders.
• Leads and supports citywide and interdepartmental initiatives and projects.
• Assists the public with the City’s processes, develops connectivity tools that keep the public informed, and ensure productive and meaningful outreach.
• Participates in the selection of modern technological transparency tools emphasizing ease of use for the community.
• Facilitates consistent application of the City-adopted framework for public notices, website, social media, and other public communication tools.
• Administers and continually improves all City communication channels—both digital and print—using best practices in the communications industry.
• Serves as a liaison to City departments, the public, and outside agencies regarding public engagement issues and efforts; develops and conducts training on public engagement topics for City staff.
• Manages media relations, responds to inquiries from media contacts and produces press releases on topics across all City departments.
• Provides timely, informative and effective public communications during emergencies and works closely with communications staff in other jurisdictions, agencies and organizations to disseminate consistent and accurate emergency-related messaging.
• Provides highly complex professional staff assistance to the city manager’s office and City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence to City Council, boards, and commissions; ensures the proper documentation of activities.
• Conducts a variety of studies, needs assessments, surveys and research; identifies future public engagement project and program needs.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public engagement programs; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official program files.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents various management and information updates, and reports on special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.