Communications Manager

Position: 

Communications Manager

Department: 

Administration

Reports to: 

Township Manager

Schedule: 

Monday - Friday 

8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 

Salary: 

$70,000 – $80,000

ABOUT BRISTOL TOWNSHIP 

Bristol Township, PA, is a vibrant and diverse community located in Bucks County, known for its rich history and strong sense of community. The Township provides high-quality services and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. Joining the Bristol Township team means becoming part of an organization that values partnership, respect, innovation, diversity, and excellence. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS ROLE 

The Communications Manager serves as the Township’s Public Information Officer and leads all public-facing communication efforts. This position ensures clear, accurate, and timely information is shared with residents, stakeholders, and the media. The Communications Manager coordinates Township communications, manages the municipal website and social media, and acts as a liaison between the Township Manager’s Office, Boards and Commissions, and community organizations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Public Information and Communications
   1. Serve as Bristol Township’s Public Information Officer (PIO) by acting as the main point of contact for all media inquiries, press relations, and public messaging under the direction of the Township Manager. All official communications are developed collaboratively and subject to review and approval by the Township Manager prior to release.
   2. Draft, edit, and distribute newsletters, press releases, public notices, emergency alerts, and other communications to keep residents informed.
   3. Create clear, engaging, and accessible content for all Township communications, including articles, infographics, event announcements, and alerts.
   4. Ensure that all messages reflect the Township’s values and are consistent across departments.
2. Website and Digital Content Management
   1. Manage the content of the municipal website and the Township’s official social media accounts, ensuring that all information is accurate, easy to read, and regularly updated.
   2. Improve the website’s usability by monitoring ADA accessibility, layout, links, and navigation and making updates as needed.
   3. Collaborate with departments to post timely information, updates and announcements to keep the community informed and engaged on meetings, services, programs, alerts, and events.
3. 4. Monitor social media platforms for resident feedback, questions, and concerns—and ensure responses are timely and professional.
   5. Track trends and data to evaluate engagement and improve performance.
4. Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
   1. Act as a liaison between the Township Manager’s Office and Township Boards and Commissions, ensuring agendas, minutes, and updates are communicated to the public.
   2. Build and maintain positive relationships with community groups, neighborhood associations, schools, and civic organizations to encourage public participation and trust.
   3. Represent the Township at community meetings, events, and public forums as needed.
5. Right-to-Know (RTK) Requests
   1. Coordinate and manage Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) requests to ensure timely, accurate, and lawful responses to the public.
   2. Work with departments to collect requested records and ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records standards.
   3. Maintain accurate logs and records of all RTK activity.
   4. Maintain official Township records and ensure compliance with recordkeeping laws and policies.
   5. Support the Township Manager in organizing meeting logistics, correspondence, and follow-up actions.
6. Strategic Communications Planning
   1. Work with the Assistant Township Manager to develop and carry out long-term communication strategies that support Township goals.
   2. Help launch new services, programs, and initiatives with thoughtful planning and public education.
   3. Proactively identify communication needs or issues and offer creative solutions.
   4. Work closely with all departments to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
   5. Serve as an internal resource for plain language writing, branding, and public engagement strategies.

This description is intended to provide a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the Communications Manager. Other duties may be assigned as needed to meet the goals of the Township.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

1. Public Communications: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a variety of stakeholders, including the public and governing bodies. Skilled in preparing newsletters, press releases, alerts, social media posts, and website content. Able to communicate calmly and effectively during emergencies or sensitive situations.
2. Customer Service and Community Engagement: Professional and courteous when handling public inquiries, concerns, and complaints. Ability to build trust with residents through respectful and responsive communication. Comfortable speaking at meetings, public events, or with the media. Skilled in addressing complex inquiries and concerns with professionalism.
3. Website and Social Media Management: Experienced with website content updates using a content management system (CMS). Proficient in using social media to share information, respond to comments, and build engagement. Ability with creating visuals using tools like Photoshop, Canva or similar software.
4. Writing and Presentation: Strong writing skills using plain language that is clear and easy to understand. Able to present information in a professional and engaging manner—both in writing and verbally. Adjusts tone and message based on the platform and audience.
5. Organization and Prioritization: Strong organizational skills. Able to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and shift priorities in a fast-paced environment. Able to plans and tracks communication timelines to ensure regular updates and outreach. Pays close attention to detail and follows through on assigned tasks.
6. Technology Proficiency: Proficient in social media platforms, website management software, and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to leverage technology for efficient communication and records-keeping.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, or a related field
• Two or more years of experience in public communications, media relations, or a government-related role

• Experience in Pennsylvania local government or public records management
• Familiarity with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
• Knowledge of municipal recordkeeping and website content management systems (CMS)

WORKING CONDITIONS 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking. Involves occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and crouching, as well as repetitive motions while working on computer-related tasks. Must have both near and far vision (with or without corrective devices) to read documents, operate computers, and engage with the public. Ability to lift, carry, or move items weighing up to 25 pounds required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works primarily in an office setting with frequent interactions with the public at the front desk and through electronic communications. The work environment may include occasional high-stress situations when addressing resident concerns or managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT:

Bristol Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We invite you to bring your talent, skills, and passion to Bristol Township. You will join a team of dedicated individuals who serve our community every day. Together, we create a positive and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Applications, resumes, and cover letters for this position can be submitted through Bristol Township’s Hiring Portal at rebrand.ly/BristolTWPPAHiringPortal. Interested applicants should complete the online application and upload all required documents. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and, if successful, will proceed through the Township’s onboarding process.