City of Calabasas

THE ORGANIZATION 

The City of Calabasas is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of five members elected at large, who serve staggered four-year terms. Each year, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Mayor Pro Tem. The City Council appoints both the City Manager and the City Attorney. The City Manager oversees the City’s daily operations and ensures that the goals and priorities set by the Council are carried out effectively. 

Recognized for its commitment to exceptional public service, the City of Calabasas takes pride in providing high quality services to residents and the local business community. Continuity in leadership, responsible fiscal stewardship, a supportive business environment, collaboration with community partners, a dedicated professional staff, and an engaged community all contribute to the City’s distinguished reputation. The 2025/26 operating budget is approximately $84 million and comprised of 78 full time and 155 hourly employees within the departments of City Manager’s Office, City Clerk, Administrative Services, Community Development, Community Services, Finance, Information Technology, Communications, Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, Public Works, and Library. 

THE POSITION 

Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, citywide strategic communications program aimed at enhancing public awareness, engagement, and participation in City projects, programs, services, and initiatives. Key responsibilities include overseeing the City’s website, managing all social media platforms, coordinating public relations activities, supporting interdepartmental communications, assisting in crisis communication efforts, and acting as the Public Information Officer. Essential functions of the Communications Manager position include, but are not limited to: 

  • Developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective citywide strategic communications program and coordinating public relations activities for City Council and City departments using the following: government access television, email outreach, City website, social media, city radio station, and special events. Must also be proactive in coordinating with local, regional, state, and federal officials, in addition to members of the media and those in the larger community.
  • Managing communications for short- and long-term planning and development of government access programming and procedures, including the day-to-day operation of CTV – The Calabasas Channel, the City’s in-house cable TV channel.
  • Researches, writes, directs, and oversees PSA’s, studio productions, live web streaming, web archives, social media, and promotions. 
  • Overseeing the City’s public relations and outreach duties, including press releases, as well as working with City departments, City Council and Commissions to publicize and promote projects, events, activities and accomplishments. Must also ensure consistency with the City brand and oversee protection of the organization’s cultural identity, which includes maintaining a digital photo library of City events and history. 
  • Interpreting, implementing and administering the City’s cable television franchise agreements provisions, and working with the California Public Utilities Commission to ensure compliance with telecommunications policies, procedures and standards.
  • Serving as the staff liaison to the Communications and Technology Commission, which acts as a Planning Commission under state law when hearing items on wireless telecommunication facilities. Staying up to date on relevant legislation relating to telecommunications. 
  • Preparing and administering the Communications Department budget within budgetary guidelines to contribute to the cost-effective operation of the department. 
  • Managing the selection, supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff. 
  • Performing all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures. Available 24/7 for emergency incidents and non-traditional work hours for presence at various special events and meetings. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Calabasas is seeking an innovative, forward-thinking, creative, and strong leader who fosters and builds relationships as the next Communications Manager. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of principles and practices of communications, media, public relations, and community engagement in a local government setting. The most competitive candidates are able to work collaboratively with staff to ensure continuous operational improvement.

The ideal candidate is someone who will excel in developing and mentoring staff while supporting an excellent organizational culture and atmosphere.The selected candidate will have advanced knowledge and experience with modern office methods, practices, and equipment, including proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Constant Contact, Granicus, and desktop publishing tools. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in writing, editing, graphic design, photography, media relations, and multimedia production (including audio, video, social media, and websites) Bringing a strong understanding of and experience in communications, the ideal candidate will exhibit a leadership style that engenders high credibility with the public, elected and appointed officials, colleagues, and a variety of stakeholders.

The City will benefit from an individual with strong communication and public speaking skills who is confident in interacting with a broad array of audiences and having a visible and accessible presence. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential to the candidate’s success and the new Communications Manager will be expected to establish good working relationships throughout the organization, with other agencies, and the community.

A typical candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, Masters preferred, in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field. Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, or performing a variety of professional level administrative support for a public agency or community organization including supervisory experience, in the public or private sector.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

The annual salary range for the Communications Manager position is $129,665 – $161,934, with placement dependent on qualifications and experience. The City also offers a highly competitive benefits package, including: 

  • Retirement: CalPERS 2% @ 62 formula for new members (7.75% employee contribution); 2% @ 55 for classic members (City pays employee contribution). The City does not participate in Social Security but provides Medicare coverage. 
  • Medical Insurance: 100% City-paid premium up to the PERS Platinum plan for employees and qualified dependents. 
  • Dental & Vision Insurance: 100% City paid premiums for employees and dependents. 
  • Disability Insurance: Short- and long term disability coverage up to 66% of salary, to a maximum of $10,000/month. 
  • Life Insurance: Coverage equal to three times annual salary, up to $350,000. • Deferred Compensation: 100% City match up to 2% of base salary. 
  • Flexible Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off and opportunities for remote work. 
  • Vacation: 80 hours per year, plus an additional 64 hours for mid-management employees. 
  • Sick Leave: 96 hours per year. 
  • Holidays: 11.5 holidays plus two floating holidays annually. 
  • Automobile Allowance: $3,000 annually. • Technology: City-issued laptop, tablet, and cell phone. 

APPLICATION & RECRUITMENT PROCESS 

Resumes will be screened based on the qualifications outlined above. 

Apply online at: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofcalabasas 

Application Filing Deadline: 

July 27, 2025 

Preliminary Interviews: 

Week of August 4-8, 2025 

Finalist Interviews: 

To Be Determined 

apply now