City of Laguna Beach
Salary :
$128,880.00 - $157,524.00 Annually Location :
CA 92651, CA Job Type:
Management Job Number:
202501029 Department:
City Manager Opening Date:
09/10/2025
Description The City of Laguna Beach is seeking an experienced and dynamic Communications Manager to lead the City's comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy. This key leadership role is responsible for developing and delivering clear, consistent, and creative messaging across digital, print, and in-person platforms. The Communications Manager will oversee media relations, community outreach, and digital content, while also ensuring the City is prepared for and responsive in times of emergency. Serving as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and department leaders, the Communications Manager will guide strategic initiatives that promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and elevate the City's brand. The ideal candidate is a versatile communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, public sector environment, is adept at both proactive storytelling and crisis communication, and is comfortable serving as the City's spokesperson. This position may or may not have additional staff resources assigned to support it. Therefore, the best candidates will be those who can be both strategic in their thinking and "boots on the ground" in implementation. If you are a forward-thinking communicator with strong leadership skills and a passion for building meaningful community connections, we invite you to apply. What You'll Be Great At: Strategic & Integrated Communication Community Engagement & Public Outreach Crisis & Emergency Response Digital Media, Branding & Creative Content Leadership & Collaboration Public Speaking & Clear Writing Political Acumen & Sound Judgment Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the first review on
October 1
,
2025. Examples of Duties
The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Communications Manager. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Qualifications Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows: Education:
Bachelor's degree with major coursework in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience:
Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity. Experience in public sector or local government communications is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications. Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on
October 1 , 2025. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City. Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted. Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA. for the link to the MOUs. 01
I understand and acknowledge that I must thoroughly complete the application and supplemental questions, honestly, truthfully, and to the best of my ability. Qualifications for inclusion in the selection process will be based on a review of the application and supplemental questionnaire responses, not a resume or CV. Resumes in lieu of completed supplemental questionnaire responses will not be accepted. Incomplete responses or "see resume," "see application" responses will be grounds for disqualification.
Yes No
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
Less than a High School Diploma High School Diploma or equivalent Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree and higher
03
Please indicate the degrees and certificates you possess, along with your area of study. If you do not have any degrees or certificates, please enter "NA." 04
How many years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs do you possess? (Please note, experience must be detailed in your application).
No experience Less than (2) years Two (2) years but less than three (3) years Three (3) years but less than four (4) years Four (4) years but less than five (5) years Five (5) years but less than six (6) years Six (6) years but less than seven (7) years Seven (7) years or more
05
Please describe your work experience relating to communications, media relations, or public affairs. In your response, include any experience you may have working for a public agency, municipality, or other government organization. If you do not possess any experience, please write "N/A." Required Question
$128,880.00 - $157,524.00 Annually Location :
CA 92651, CA Job Type:
Management Job Number:
202501029 Department:
City Manager Opening Date:
09/10/2025
Description The City of Laguna Beach is seeking an experienced and dynamic Communications Manager to lead the City's comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy. This key leadership role is responsible for developing and delivering clear, consistent, and creative messaging across digital, print, and in-person platforms. The Communications Manager will oversee media relations, community outreach, and digital content, while also ensuring the City is prepared for and responsive in times of emergency. Serving as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and department leaders, the Communications Manager will guide strategic initiatives that promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and elevate the City's brand. The ideal candidate is a versatile communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, public sector environment, is adept at both proactive storytelling and crisis communication, and is comfortable serving as the City's spokesperson. This position may or may not have additional staff resources assigned to support it. Therefore, the best candidates will be those who can be both strategic in their thinking and "boots on the ground" in implementation. If you are a forward-thinking communicator with strong leadership skills and a passion for building meaningful community connections, we invite you to apply. What You'll Be Great At: Strategic & Integrated Communication Community Engagement & Public Outreach Crisis & Emergency Response Digital Media, Branding & Creative Content Leadership & Collaboration Public Speaking & Clear Writing Political Acumen & Sound Judgment Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the first review on
October 1
,
2025. Examples of Duties
The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Communications Manager. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Qualifications Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows: Education:
Bachelor's degree with major coursework in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience:
Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity. Experience in public sector or local government communications is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications. Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on
October 1 , 2025. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City. Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted. Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA. for the link to the MOUs. 01
I understand and acknowledge that I must thoroughly complete the application and supplemental questions, honestly, truthfully, and to the best of my ability. Qualifications for inclusion in the selection process will be based on a review of the application and supplemental questionnaire responses, not a resume or CV. Resumes in lieu of completed supplemental questionnaire responses will not be accepted. Incomplete responses or "see resume," "see application" responses will be grounds for disqualification.
Yes No
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
Less than a High School Diploma High School Diploma or equivalent Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree and higher
03
Please indicate the degrees and certificates you possess, along with your area of study. If you do not have any degrees or certificates, please enter "NA." 04
How many years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs do you possess? (Please note, experience must be detailed in your application).
No experience Less than (2) years Two (2) years but less than three (3) years Three (3) years but less than four (4) years Four (4) years but less than five (5) years Five (5) years but less than six (6) years Six (6) years but less than seven (7) years Seven (7) years or more
05
Please describe your work experience relating to communications, media relations, or public affairs. In your response, include any experience you may have working for a public agency, municipality, or other government organization. If you do not possess any experience, please write "N/A." Required Question