What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNICATION MANAGER position at City of San Marcos, CA?
Summary Description
Be part of something new
The City of San Marcos is on the move — growing, innovating and reimagining how local government connects with the people it serves. This is not a typical PIO role. We’re looking for a Communication Manager who will help us define a new model for government communicators, one that goes beyond storytelling to bring a public lens to everything the city does, enhancing accountability and building community trust.
Why this role matters
As a Communication Manager, you will lead day to day communication for the city — helping residents access city services, celebrating successes and ensuring transparency every step of the way. But more than that, you’ll be part of our LEAN Government model (Leading Efficiency, Accountability, and eNgagement) — making sure communication is not just about what we say, but how we listen, measure impact and continuously improve.
This Is Your Chance To
At San Marcos, we live our values: teamwork, professionalism, fiscal responsibility and customer service. We believe in operating like an efficient business while never losing sight of people — the residents we serve and the employees who make it possible. This is a place where your ideas will be heard, your creativity will be valued, and your work will make a visible difference in the community.
San Marcos is …
This job will remain open until filled
First review of applications: October 3, 2025 First Panel interview: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methods used in the conduct of municipal government; principles and practices of public relations, strategic communication, multicultural communication, community involvement, public administration, management and budgeting; applicable civil, government, and administrative codes; principles and procedures of social scientific research methods; principles of effective writing for print and digital formats tailored to a variety of audiences; The Associated Press writing style;; ethical principles and practices related to the fields of journalism and communication; principles and techniques of photography, graphic design, videography and multi-media formats; event planning best practices; employee communication and engagement; media relations tools and techniques; principles of effective branding and messaging; emergency communication methods, including NIMS/ICS; and modern office procedures and methods; computer operations/software programs and hardware.
Ability to: Gather, interpret, and analyze data to a superior degree; exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information; identify solutions and consequences of proposed actions; perform responsible, difficult, and confidential work involving the use of independent judgment, discretion, and personal initiative; arrive at sound conclusions and make recommendations; implement recommendations in support of goals; plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management with minimal supervision and direction; manage multiple projects concurrently; work under pressure and meet deadlines; use practical judgment, creativity, and resourcefulness in planning and developing department projects; communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; conduct effective presentations and speeches, in a variety of settings and with a variety of audiences, stakeholders, and comprehension skills; prepare clear and concise oral/written reports, both narrative and statistical; speak clearly and effectively before individuals and groups; read, understand, interpret, and apply laws, policies, rules, contracts, guidelines, and professional practices; respond appropriately, under intense public and media scrutiny, to topics as situations change; handle highly confidential and sensitive information; organize, prioritize, and coordinate projects to meet deadlines; utilize computer systems to enter and retrieve data and in statistical studies and research; establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Education And Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in English, Communication, Public Administration, Journalism, or a closely related field is preferred. However, equivalent experience, certification, licensure and/or education will be considered in lieu of a degree. A master’s degree in one of these fields is desirable.
Experience
Six years of increasingly responsible experience in professional communication. Experience as a public information officer in a government setting is desired. Bilingual skills in Spanish/English are highly desirable.
Be part of something new
The City of San Marcos is on the move — growing, innovating and reimagining how local government connects with the people it serves. This is not a typical PIO role. We’re looking for a Communication Manager who will help us define a new model for government communicators, one that goes beyond storytelling to bring a public lens to everything the city does, enhancing accountability and building community trust.
Why this role matters
As a Communication Manager, you will lead day to day communication for the city — helping residents access city services, celebrating successes and ensuring transparency every step of the way. But more than that, you’ll be part of our LEAN Government model (Leading Efficiency, Accountability, and eNgagement) — making sure communication is not just about what we say, but how we listen, measure impact and continuously improve.
This Is Your Chance To
- Tell the story of a city that is building for the future.
- Strengthen trust by creating clear, accessible and resident-focused messages.
- Use data and creativity to show how government delivers results.
- Help leaders and staff communicate with confidence and authenticity.
- Foster new ways for residents to be heard and engaged.
- A hands-on communication generalist and strategic thinker.
- A collaborator who enjoys building relationships across teams and with the community.
- A creative mind who can bring fresh ideas to traditional government communication.
- Spanish/English bilingual skills are a big plus, as is previous public sector experience.
At San Marcos, we live our values: teamwork, professionalism, fiscal responsibility and customer service. We believe in operating like an efficient business while never losing sight of people — the residents we serve and the employees who make it possible. This is a place where your ideas will be heard, your creativity will be valued, and your work will make a visible difference in the community.
San Marcos is …
- One of the top 25 places to raise a family (Fortune Magazine)
- The health care hub of North County (Kaiser’s hospital opened last year and Scripps just announced its next hospital will be in San Marcos)
- An education leader, home to Cal State San Marcos and Palomar Community College
- Top 10 safest city in California
- A competitive salary
- Our 9/80 work week means you'll have every other Friday off
- Hybrid work options
- Generous health benefits (all medical premiums employer paid at 90%)
- Time off (14 paid holidays, vacation and executive leave)
- Participate in the CalPERS retirement system (Classic members 2% @ 55, PEPRA members 2% @ 62) and Social Security
This job will remain open until filled
First review of applications: October 3, 2025 First Panel interview: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methods used in the conduct of municipal government; principles and practices of public relations, strategic communication, multicultural communication, community involvement, public administration, management and budgeting; applicable civil, government, and administrative codes; principles and procedures of social scientific research methods; principles of effective writing for print and digital formats tailored to a variety of audiences; The Associated Press writing style;; ethical principles and practices related to the fields of journalism and communication; principles and techniques of photography, graphic design, videography and multi-media formats; event planning best practices; employee communication and engagement; media relations tools and techniques; principles of effective branding and messaging; emergency communication methods, including NIMS/ICS; and modern office procedures and methods; computer operations/software programs and hardware.
Ability to: Gather, interpret, and analyze data to a superior degree; exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information; identify solutions and consequences of proposed actions; perform responsible, difficult, and confidential work involving the use of independent judgment, discretion, and personal initiative; arrive at sound conclusions and make recommendations; implement recommendations in support of goals; plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management with minimal supervision and direction; manage multiple projects concurrently; work under pressure and meet deadlines; use practical judgment, creativity, and resourcefulness in planning and developing department projects; communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; conduct effective presentations and speeches, in a variety of settings and with a variety of audiences, stakeholders, and comprehension skills; prepare clear and concise oral/written reports, both narrative and statistical; speak clearly and effectively before individuals and groups; read, understand, interpret, and apply laws, policies, rules, contracts, guidelines, and professional practices; respond appropriately, under intense public and media scrutiny, to topics as situations change; handle highly confidential and sensitive information; organize, prioritize, and coordinate projects to meet deadlines; utilize computer systems to enter and retrieve data and in statistical studies and research; establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Education And Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in English, Communication, Public Administration, Journalism, or a closely related field is preferred. However, equivalent experience, certification, licensure and/or education will be considered in lieu of a degree. A master’s degree in one of these fields is desirable.
Experience
Six years of increasingly responsible experience in professional communication. Experience as a public information officer in a government setting is desired. Bilingual skills in Spanish/English are highly desirable.
