Communications & Marketing Manager

At the **City of Lake Forest**, we’re more than just a local government — we’re a team of people passionate about making the community a better place to live, work, and thrive. Every day, we connect with residents, businesses, and visitors to share important information, celebrate our city’s successes, and promote civic pride. * * * Under administration direction, the **Communications and Marketing Manager** plays a key leadership role in shaping how the community connects with the City. This position leads the Communications and Marketing Division and drives creative, strategic efforts that inform, inspire, and engage residents, businesses, and partners. **Key Responsibilities:** - **Leads and manages** all functions, policies, and projects within the Communications and Marketing Division. - **Develops and delivers** dynamic communication and marketing strategies that promote the City's mission, services, and achievements. - **Creates and oversees** engaging content across multiple platforms—web, print, video, and social media—to share the City’s story and connect with the community. - **Builds strong relationships** with media, community groups, and partner organizations to ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication. - **Champions public engagement**, ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to learn about and participate in City initiatives. - **Collaborates across departments** to align messaging, support major projects, and promote key programs and events. - **Advises senior leadership** on communication strategy, public perception, and proactive messaging. - **Promotes innovation and creativity** in how the City communicates—using data, storytelling, and design to make information more accessible and impactful. * * * **Why Work With Us** - Help shape and serve how the community connects through meaningful public engagement and transparent communication. - Join a collaborative, supportive, and forward-thinking team environment. - Receive competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and professional development opportunities. * * * **How to Apply** - Submit your application online along with a résumé and any supporting materials by **August 6, 2026**. - Attach a writing sample of published work, such as a staff report, internal memorandum, or a press release. ***The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.*** 1. Assumes management responsibility for the services and activities of the Communications and Marketing Division including City communications, marketing, and community relations programs. 2. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and program areas; researches, recommends, implements, and administers policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; coordinates, structures, and oversees ongoing or special programs as assigned. 3. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. 4. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. 5. Participates in the selection of Public Relations personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures. 6. Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Public Relations budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approve…