Program Manager - Communications & Engagement

at City of Missoula in Missoula, Montana, United States

Job Description

Help shape how Missoula plans, grows, and connects with its community.The City of Missoula is seeking a strategic, collaborative communications leader to serve as Program Manager – Communications & Engagement for the Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) department. This is an opportunity to lead communications and engagement at the heart of some of the community’s most important work-from housing and development to long-range planning and neighborhood investment. You’ll help translate complex issues into clear, meaningful stories, build trust through authentic two-way engagement, and ensure community members can understand and participate in decisions that shape Missoula’s future.As a key advisor to CPDI leadership and project teams, you’ll bring vision, creativity, and sound communications judgment to major initiatives while leading a talented team of communications and engagement professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to build innovative engagement strategies, strengthen relationships with community partners and diverse audiences, work with media and City leadership, and advance equitable approaches that make participation more accessible. If you’re a thoughtful communicator and people-centered leader who thrives at the intersection of public service, community engagement, and complex community issues, we invite you to bring your experience and ideas to this important role.Screening of applications will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. You must apply by 11:59 p.m. MT on Monday, September 7th. To Apply: All applicants must submit a City of Missoula Application AND a Cover Letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing how your experience and education meet the qualifications. Failure to attach the cover letter will result in your application being incomplete, and therefore, not reviewed by the hiring manager. Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application. Starting Pay:This is a salaried (Exempt) position. The starting salary for this position is $72,696 to $82,618 annually ($34.95 to $39.72 per hour), depending on qualifications and experience. This position has a full salary range of $72,696 to $87,568 annually ($34.95 to $42.10 per hour), reflecting potential wage growth over time through annual longevity increases and cost-of-living adjustments.