Communications Specialist MC

Communications Specialist MC

Salary

$58,240.00 - $72,800.00 Annually

Location

City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle NE)

Job Type

Full Time MC

Job Number

2026-00115

Department

City Manager

Opening Date

09/21/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist supports the City's internal and external communications efforts by creating, publishing, and distributing timely, accurate, and accessible information across multiple platforms, including social media, the City website, email communications, print materials, and other digital channels. The position creates written, visual, and multimedia content; recommends creative approaches for promoting City programs, services, and events; coordinates recurring communications products and assigned projects; supports media relations and public information activities; and assists with City events and outreach initiatives. The Communications Specialist works under the direction of the Communications & Engagement Manger and collaborates with City departments and outside vendors to ensure communications are timely, organized, and consistent with established City messaging, branding, policies, and strategic priorities.

Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Education / higher education: Bachelor's Degree

For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Communications, Journalism, Marketing/Advertising, Public Relations, English, Government, or directly related discipline.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Two years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital media or a related field. In lieu of degree, incumbent must possess six (6) years of directly related experience.

Education and/or experience preferences: Public-sector communications, public relations, media relations, social media management, digital content creation, and/or community outreach.

Driver's License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Drivers License Required Endorsements: None

Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge: Public relations; communications (multiple forms) with news media, general public and elected officials; Web site content writing; and use of social media. Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, digital communications, social media, visual communications, branding, media relations, and public-sector communications. Knowledge of social media platforms, content formats, current trends, and best practices for organic public-sector communications.

Skills: Proficiency in computer software including word processing and spreadsheet applications. Proficiency with graphic design, social media management, website content management, email marketing, photography and video editing tools appropriate to the position.

Abilities: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via email, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Use technology, equipment and software typically used in an office environment. Utilize math concepts to present data in charts, graphs, and presentations. Address a variety of concrete or abstract variables in standard or non-standard situations. Read, analyze and interpret technical reports, documents and financial reports, and then convey these concepts to different audiences both in written and verbal form. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and recurring communications products; organize information from multiple departments; and follow projects through completion.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Ability to speak with news media and the public clearly and precisely in group settings, one-on-one and on-camera.

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists with media inquiries by gathering information, coordinating with City departments, coordinating interviews, drafting responses, and preparing supporting materials under the direction of the Communications Manager. May serve as a City spokesperson when assigned.
• Develops, schedules, publishes, and monitors content for City social media platforms and other digital communications channels in accordance with established communication strategies, standards and guidelines; recommends content formats and approaches appropriate to each channel.
• Develops creative content ideas and promotional approaches for assigned City programs, services, events, and initiatives in coordination with the Communications Manager and applicable City departments.
• Coordinates and produces recurring City communications, including internal and external newsletters, by developing content, gathering information from departments, organizing materials, editing submissions, and preparing final products for review and distribution.
• Coordinates production of print communications and publications, including soliciting content from City departments, tracking deadlines, organizing materials, coordinating edits, and working with outside vendors through production and distribution.
• Creates and distributes written communications, including news releases, public notices, website content, email communications, and other informational materials, in accordance with established City communication standards.
• Provide communication guidance and technical assistance to City Department Public Information Officers and staff on established communications practices, standards, and applicable policies.
• Coordinate communication and logistical support for assigned City special events, including ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, public information meetings, and trainings.
• Coordinates implementation of assigned City marketing, advertising, and promotional initiatives, including development of materials, vendor coordination, scheduling, and placement.
• Creates, updates, and maintains content on the City website and works with departments to ensure information is timely, accurate, accessible, and consistent with established City communications standards.
• Responds to routine public inquiries received through City communications channels and coordinates response with appropriate departments when additional information is required.
• Reviews communications materials for accuracy, clarity, grammar, branding, accessibility, and consistency with established City messaging and communications standards.
• Assist in implementing communication plans and public information campaigns for City programs, projects, initiatives, emergencies, and special events under the direction of the Communications Manager.
• Supports emergency and crisis communications by assisting with the development and publication of time-sensitive information, including outside normal business hours as needed.
• Coordinates communications-related materials and promotional items, including branded merchandise, apparel, printed materials, and other collateral; works with vendors to obtain quotes, coordinate artwork, and manage production and delivery.
• Create presentations using different platforms (e.g., PowerPoint, video) and prepare talking points, speeches, and other presentation materials as assigned.
• Provide support/assistance as needed to the Communications & Engagement Manger, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and elected officials (Governing Body) as assigned.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Rio Rancho click here.

01

Do you have a Bachelors Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing/Advertising, Public Relations, English, Government, or directly related discipline? If you certify you have a degree, your transcripts must be uploaded showing degree and date awarded.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital media, or a related field? In lieu of a degree, do you possess at least six years of directly related professional experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Rio Rancho

Address 3200 Civic Center Circle NE

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87144

Phone 505-896-8750

Website https://rrnm.gov/