Become the City’s first ever Communications & Public Engagement Manager! This is a unique opportunity to define your role and make a lasting impact on a flourishing community!
The City of Newark is seeking an innovative Communications & Public Engagement Manager who is a creative and strategic leader to drive Newark’s citywide communications, branding, and public engagement efforts. In this high-impact role, you’ll manage media relations, digital platforms, and community outreach campaigns that promote transparency, inclusivity, and civic pride.
As the City’s Public Information Officer, you’ll oversee sensitive communications, lead a citywide branding initiative, and craft communications that strengthen Newark’s identity - internally and externally. You’ll play a critical role in how residents, businesses, service organizations and other partners experience and connect with the City.
This role is your opportunity to lead bold storytelling, showcase Newark’s unique identity, and build trust across every corner of our City. From citywide campaigns to strategic community spirit projects, your work will shape how Newark communicates and celebrates its values, vision, and voice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day operations of the City’s communications and engagement efforts, including managing the website, intranet, social media, and multimedia content.
- Advise senior leadership on strategic communications, branding, and public engagement best practices.
- Represent the City at community events and develop initiatives that promote civic engagement and public trust.
- Track and analyze engagement metrics to evaluate and improve communication effectiveness.
- Support departments with messaging consistency, staff training, and public engagement techniques.
- Monitor trends in media, technology, and community engagement to enhance the City’s outreach strategies.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, elected officials, media outlets, and community organizations.
- Serve as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO), including media interviews, press conferences, and crisis communication.
- Manage communication during emergencies and ensure timely, accurate information is shared with the public.
Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical path includes:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, English, or a related field
- At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, media relations, or a related communication field
- Experience managing digital content, public outreach campaigns, or branding projects
