Communications and Engagement Manager
About the Position
The Communications and Engagement Manager develops and implements proactive strategies that strengthen transparency, trust, and collaboration across the organization and the community. This position leads a division that integrates public information, marketing, community engagement, internal communication, and change communication into a cohesive system supporting the City’s mission, vision, values and strategic goals.
This position also serves as the City’s lead for crisis and reputation communication, ensuring the organization anticipates potential risks, responds quickly and accurately to emerging issues, and maintains public confidence through consistent, credible, and timely messaging. They may serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during significant incidents to coordinate accurate and unified messaging in collaboration with emergency management personnel.
View the full list of job responsibilities by viewing the Position Description and Position Profile:
A Thriving Community
The City of Oshkosh is an award-winning community in the heart of Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley, located about 90 miles north of Milwaukee and 50 miles south of Green Bay. With a population of more than 66,000, Oshkosh is the largest municipality in Winnebago County and the ninth largest city in the state. Oshkosh offers the friendliness of a small town with the amenities of a larger city, including an excellent school system, quality health care, abundant recreation, and a low cost of living.
Situated on the western shore of Lake Winnebago and bordered by the Fox River and Lake Butte des Morts, Oshkosh is known for its waterfront lifestyle and year-round outdoor activities. The city has earned national recognition, including Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” and Business Week’s “Best Places to Raise Your Kids.”
Education opportunities are robust, with a highly rated public school district, several private schools, Fox Valley Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh—Wisconsin’s third-largest university with approximately 13,000 students. Health care is provided by Ascension NE Wisconsin, Aurora Medical Center, and a new Froedtert ThedaCare Health campus under construction.
Residents enjoy more than 400 acres of parks, marinas, the Fox River Riverwalk, Menominee Park Zoo, and a variety of cultural attractions, including the Paine Art Center and Gardens, Grand Opera House, and EAA Aviation Museum. Annual events, such as the Oshkosh Farmers Market, complement year-round recreation. The city is also home to the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA G League team.
Learn more at oshkoshwi.gov.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative communicator who thrives in a dynamic public-sector environment and understands the importance of transparency, trust, and meaningful community engagement. They bring a blend of creativity and analytical skill—capable of crafting compelling narratives, managing complex issues, and interpreting data to guide decision-making. They excel under pressure, demonstrating sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate sensitive or high-visibility situations with confidence and clarity. A natural relationship-builder, they partner effectively with City leadership, staff, media, and community stakeholders. They are an inclusive leader who motivates and develops staff, models professionalism, and champions innovation in communication practices. Above all, they are committed to serving the community and elevating the City’s voice with integrity, responsiveness, and purposes.
Expected Salary Range: $105,000 to $125,000 (DOQ)
Excellent benefits package includes:
Exceptional insurance, benefits and time-off program.
Enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Pension
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public engagement, public affairs, or marketing.
Demonstrated experience in crisis communication, issues management, and organizational reputation management.
Three or more years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing projects and cross-functional teams.
Experience working in government, the public sector, or other complex stakeholder environments preferred.
View the full list of job responsibilities by viewing the Position Description and Position Profile:
Apply now!
Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position.
Applications are now being accepted until filled with first review no later than December 19, 2025.
Please upload (right) or send cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jess Wildes at jess@public-advisors.com. Please direct questions to 262-339-5658.
Thank you for your interest!