Communications Manager

Jackson County Open · verified Aug 15, 2026

Kansas City Full-time Manager Communications

Mid-level Communications role at Jackson County. Kansas City · full-time · $73,736 base.

SalaryStated by Jackson County

$73,736

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

This role, from Jackson CountyOur estimate for the market: $56,000–$98,000

In line with the market median of $76,000 for mid-level communications roles in Kansas City.

Worked out from 7 postings that stated pay, median $76,000. Last updated Mar 10, 2026.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Run the Communications Department’s daily work and supervise its staff
Guide public materials such as releases, newsletters, web copy, and social updates
Support communications strategy and handle crisis, media, and outreach needs
Coordinate messaging with departments, elected officials, and partner agencies
Build accurate, clear communication that strengthens public and community trust

What you bring

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
At least five years in communications, public information, or a related area, including two years supervising or managing
Leadership, employee-management, performance-review, interviewing, and counseling capability
Strong writing, editing, public speaking, public information, crisis communication, and media-relations skills
Ability to juggle competing priorities, use computer and word-processing tools, and stay effective under pressure

Who this fits

This role suits a communications manager who can lead staff while handling public information, media relations, community outreach, and crisis messaging. You'll work in Kansas City in a primarily indoor county office, collaborate with internal departments, elected officials, and partner agencies, and must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Government, media, or public-sector experience is preferred.

From the employer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Department: Communications

Grade: 270

Salary: $73,736/year

Job Duties:

Responsible for the daily operations of the Communications Department and supervises communications staff under the direction of the Director of Communications.
Oversee production of public-facing materials, including press releases, newsletters, website content, and social media updates.
Assists the Director with strategic planning and serves as a trusted partner in crisis communications, media response, and public outreach.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
5+ years of experience in communications, public information, or related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
Strong leadership and staff management skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of public information practices, crisis communication, and media relations.
Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
Experience working with government, media, or the public sector is strongly preferred.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and respond effectively under pressure.
Must submit to/pass pre-employment drug screen/background check

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

Transparency & Accountability – Demonstrates integrity and ensures information shared with the public is accurate, clear, and consistent with organizational values.
Crisis Communication – Responds quickly and effectively under pressure, providing calm, accurate, and coordinated messaging during emergencies.
Community Trust & Engagement – Builds strong relationships with community members, media, and stakeholders, fostering confidence in government communications.
Leadership & Team Management – Provides clear direction, mentorship, and support to staff while maintaining high professional standards.
Strategic Thinking – Anticipates communication needs, develops proactive strategies, and aligns messaging with organizational priorities.
Collaboration – Works effectively with internal departments, elected officials, and partner agencies to ensure unified and effective communication.
Adaptability – Remains flexible in managing multiple priorities and responding to evolving situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
Knowledge of managing employees
Knowledge of performance reviews
Knowledge of Legislative, County and Departmental administrative policies and procedures.
Knowledge of statistical techniques necessary for performance reporting.
Knowledge of interviewing and counseling as to communicate with professionals, community representative and citizens.
Knowledge of interpersonal communication skills.
Knowledge of report writing techniques and methods.
Knowledge of local news media.
Knowledge of strong public speaking and business writing skills.
Knowledge of public relations techniques and methods.
Skill in proper use, spelling and composition of English.
Skill in data processing and computer usage.
Skill in word processing and keyboarding.
Skill in process change utilizing technology to improve county services to citizens.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work environment is primarily indoors, within a modern smoke-free office setting, where noise and temperature levels are moderate.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!