Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications Manager plans, develops and implements strategic communications programs that support City priorities, enhance transparency, and strengthen community engagement. The position serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO), managing media relations, digital communications, website content, social media platforms, emergency information, and public messaging.
The Communications Manager oversees the Media Division, including staff supervision, program management, and coordination of citywide communication standards and initiatives. As a key member of the City Manager’s Office, this position works closely with departments across the organization, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment where creativity, innovation, and partnership are valued.
This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, and regional partners to tell the City’s story, celebrate successes, and keep the community informed and connected. The Communications Manager develops effective messaging, respond to emerging issues, and promotes City programs and services.
The City Manager’s Office is a dynamic and engaging workplace that values collaboration, open communication, and public service. Employees enjoy working across departments on exciting projects and initiatives that positively impact the community. The Communications Manager may work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours to support City events, communications needs, and emergency response efforts, and must be available for on-call response during emergencies and critical incidents.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative communications professional with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. They can establish trust and maintain effective partnerships with diverse community members, City staff, media representatives, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate demonstrates strong judgment, professionalism and the ability to manage complex and sensitive communications matters in a fast-paced public sector environment. They are a problem solver who can develop clear messaging, lead collaborative initiatives, adapt to emerging communication trends and technologies, and effectively balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational needs.
For more details on the position, click on the link- Communications Manager
Deadline to apply is July 19, 2026. Resume must be submitted along with the online application. Submitting a cover letter is encouraged.
Applicants who meet the qualifications will be invited to participate in oral examinations tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026; subject to change.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Minimum Qualifications
Education / Experience / Training
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, business or public administration, marketing or journalism, or a related field; including two (2) years of management and supervisory experience; Experience in a government agency is highly desirable.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field. A master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Fluency in Chinese is highly desirable, but not required.
Licenses & Certifications
Possession of a valid Class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Monterey Park employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives and property of the people of the State.
Supplemental Information
The physical and mental effort described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to operate computer hardware, standard office equipment, production equipment, camera equipment, and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee occasionally lifts, pulls and carries equipment typically weighing up to 50 pounds and over uneven surfaces and extended distances. Additionally, sensory demands include the ability to talk and hear. This position requires near and far vision and the ability to focus in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service as well as when operating video and audio equipment and production.
Mental demands: While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read, analyze, and interpret data, specifications, and documents; analyze and solve problems; prepare and evaluate reports; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; learn and apply new information or new skills; and interact with City staff, management, consultants, and the public, including potential conflict situations.
Work environment: The employee works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings and occasionally in the field for projects, programs, and/or Department/City events. The employee occasionally works outdoors and is exposed to variable weather conditions, dust and loud noise.
Following is a summary of the provided benefits. For further information, refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding.
- HOLIDAYS: 12 Fixed, 1 Floating
- VACATION: 80 hours per year plus additional 8 hours per year after 6 years of service to a maximum accrual of 200 hours per year. Fire Chief and Police Chief will receive the same vacation benefit as their respective management group.
- SICK LEAVE: 88 hours per year.
- MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $1,475/month toward medical insurance for employee and eligible dependents. Employees have a variety of medical insurance plans to choose from. Employees who waive City-paid medical coverage & present proof of insurance in a non-City employee's health insurance plan receive $300/mo. cash in lieu.
- DENTAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $130/mo toward dental insurance for the employee & eligible dependents.
- VISION INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $30/mo toward vision insurance for employee and eligible dependents.
- LIFE INSURANCE: The City provides a $100,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
- RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the Public Employees Retirement System, 2.7% @ 55, single highest year or 2% @ 62, three average years. Classic members pay the full 8% and new members pay 6.25% of the employee PERS contribution. The City does not participate in the Social Security System, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
- EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Regular, full-time employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential counseling and consultation services for family, stress, financial and legal issues. 10 sessions per year for employees and dependents 5/six mos).
- MEDICARE: Employees pay the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
- CREDIT UNION: F & A Credit Union is available to employees.
- DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Available to employees who wish to participate. The City will contribute up to $250 per pay period.
- EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY: $175 per month for Masters (MA). Fire Chief receives the same as IAFF and the Police Chief receives the same as POA.
- TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Those who pass probation are eligible for reimbursement for approved courses at Cal-State LA University rates up to $4,000/year.
- DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE WORKPLACE: It is the policy of the City of Monterey Park to maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace. Applicants for City employment are expected to comply.
- IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986: In compliance with IRCA of 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.
01
Effective communication is an essential function of this position. Please attach two (2) examples of your professional work that demonstrate your writing, communication, and strategic messaging abilities. Examples may include: - Press release or media advisory - Strategic communications or marketing plan - Newsletter or annual report - Website content - Social media campaign - Executive communication or speech - Crisis communication materials - Community outreach or public information materials If any materials are confidential, please redact proprietary or sensitive information before submitting.
02
Describe your experience serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO) or acting as the primary communications representative for an organization. Include your experience responding to media inquiries, preparing press releases, coordinating public messaging, and communicating with executive leadership. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
03
Describe your experience developing and implementing strategic communications, public information, marketing, or community engagement programs. Include your years of experience, the types of organizations you have worked for, your primary responsibilities, and your role in leading communication initiatives.
04
Please acknowledge that you have attached the required application materials, including your current resume and the required writing/work samples, as outlined in the job announcement. Applications that do not include all required materials may be considered incomplete and may not be considered further in the recruitment process.
