COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Communications Manager (Public Safety) 

We are seeking a strategic, highly collaborative Communications Manager to lead and evolve communications for a large statewide Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) transformation program. This is a high-visibility role supporting a complex, statewide initiative. 

This position serves as the primary communications liaison between the project team and the client, responsible for ensuring clear, consistent, and effective communication across a diverse stakeholder landscape. The Communications Manager will own and continuously mature an existing communications plan, ensuring it adapts to project needs, risks, and stakeholder expectations. 

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the California 9-1-1 ecosystem and PSAP community, combined with demonstrated experience leading communications for large transformation initiatives. This role requires influence without authority, strong judgment in high-stakes environments, and the ability to translate complex technical and operational topics into clear, actionable messaging. 

What Will You Be Doing 

• Lead the execution and continuous evolution of the project communications plan as a living document aligned to project milestones, risks, and stakeholder needs 

• Provide strategic oversight for all project communications across a complex, high-visibility statewide transformation effort 

• Serve as the primary communications liaison between the project team and the client, coordinating messaging, alignment, and communication-related escalations 

• Develop clear, consistent communications for technical, operational, executive, and external audiences, translating complex program information into accessible messaging 

• Create executive-level briefings, reports, and materials to support senior leadership, legislative engagement, and oversight activities 

• Coordinate communications across internal teams, SMEs, and external stakeholders including PSAPs, public safety agencies, and partner organizations 

• Support both internal and external communications efforts in alignment with client expectations and project objectives 

• Lead communication strategies that support organizational change, stakeholder adoption, and readiness for NG9-1-1 capabilities 

• Proactively manage sensitive or high-visibility communications 

• Monitor communication effectiveness through stakeholder feedback and performance metrics, and adjust strategies to improve engagement and clarity 

• Facilitate meetings, develop communication templates, and ensure consistency and quality across all project communications 

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and best practices in all communications activities 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Communications Leadership 

• Own and continuously evolve the project communications plan as a living document aligned to project milestones, risks, and stakeholder needs 

• Develop and deliver clear, consistent messaging tailored to technical, operational, executive, and public safety audiences 

• Translate complex program developments into accessible communications that drive understanding and alignment 

Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all communications coordination between the project team and the client 

• Build and maintain strong relationships across internal teams, the client, PSAP stakeholders, and partner organizations 

• Facilitate alignment across diverse, and often independent, stakeholder groups  

Change & Transformation Communications 

• Lead communication efforts supporting organizational and operational change associated with project implementation 

• Partner with SMEs and project leaders to develop messaging that supports adoption, readiness, and stakeholder confidence 

• Anticipate and proactively address stakeholder concerns, resistance, and communication gaps 

Executive & High-Visibility Communications 

• Develop executive-level briefings, reports, and communication materials for senior leadership and oversight bodies 

• Support communications related to stakeholder interest, audits, and external oversight activities 

• Ensure messaging is accurate, timely, and appropriate for high-scrutiny environments 

Issue & Escalation Management 

• Coordinate and manage communication-related escalations between the project and client 

• Support development of messaging for sensitive issues, risks, delays, or operational impacts 

• Ensure consistency and alignment in messaging during high-pressure or time-sensitive situations 

Collaboration & Content Development 

• Partner with technical and operational SMEs to develop accurate and effective communications 

• Leverage cross-functional input to produce high-quality deliverables 

• Establish communication templates, standards, and governance processes 

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement 

• Define and track communication effectiveness metrics, including stakeholder engagement and feedback 

• Continuously refine communication approaches based on data, feedback, and evolving project dynamics 

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)  

• 7+ years of experience in public safety, emergency communications, or closely related environments  

• Demonstrated experience supporting large transformation programs, preferably in government or public sector environments  

• Strong understanding of the California 9-1-1 system and PSAP community, including operational and stakeholder dynamics  

• Proven ability to lead communications across complex, multi-stakeholder environments without direct authority  

• Experience developing executive-level communications and supporting high-visibility initiatives  

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills  

• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, high-scrutiny environments with sound judgment and professionalism