City of San Marcos, CA
City of San Marcos, CA is hiring: COMMUNICATION MANAGER in San Marcos
City of San Marcos, CA, San Marcos, CA, US, 92079
Salary : $118,559.71 - $164,064.78 Annually
Location : 1 Civic Center Drive San Marcos, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025 - 66
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 09/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
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: October3, 2025First 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.
Holidays - The City observes fourteen (14) paid holidays that include eleven (11) specifically designated days and three (3) floating holidays.
Vacation Leave - A new employee will accrue eighty (80) hours of vacation per calendar year for the first two years of service, one hundred, twenty (120) hours for years three through five, one hundred, sixty (160) hours for years six through ten and two hundred (200) hours after eleven years. Vacation accrual begins immediately; however, a new employee is not eligible to take vacation leave until the completion of six (6) months of service with the City.
Sick Leave - A new employee will earn ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave each year.
Bereavement Leave - Employees are eligible to use up to 40 hours of bereavement leave per fiscal year.
Executive Leave - As a "Mid Management Exempt" At Will employee, you will receive sixty (60) hours of Executive Leave per fiscal year. This leave cannot roll over, has no cash value, and any leave not used by June 30th of each year will be lost.
Group Health Insurance Program - A new employee will become a member of one of the City's group health plans (Aetna HMO, Aetna AWH HMO, Aetna PPO, or Kaiser HMO) effective the first day of the month following their date of hire. The City will pay 90% of the health care premium and employees will pick up 10% of the premiums of the plan they select.
Voluntary Dental/Vision Insurance Programs - The City offers two voluntary dental insurance programs, an HMO program and a PPO Program, as well as a voluntary vision insurance program.
Section 125 Flexible Spending Account - All employees are eligible to participate in the City's Section 125 Flexible Spending Account plan administered by Benefit Coordinators Corporation (BCC). This is an IRS-approved plan which enables you to have withheld from your paycheck an amount to cover eligible dependent care, and certain eligible medical expenses without being subject to federal income or social security tax on the income used to pay for these benefits.
Retirement - The City participates in both the Social Security (FICA) and the California Public Employees' Retirement Systems (CalPERS). The City currently contracts with CalPERS for the 2% at 55 benefit formula, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for CLASSIC members and 2% at 62, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for PEPRA (new) members. Employees will contribute 7% or 6.5% towards CalPERS, depending whether a classic or new member.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) - All employees participate in a Retiree Health Savings plan through the ICMA/MissionSquare Retirement Corporation.
Deferred Compensation Employer Match Program - The City offers a Deferred Compensation Employer Match Program, matching employee contributions up to 2%
Additional Benefits - The City offers additional benefits such as short and long-term disability, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, employee benefit allocation program and workers' compensation insurance.
01
How many years have you supervised staff (meaning you were responsible for hiring/separations, providing employee evaluations and supervising daily work):
02
How many years have you directly managed contractors/consultants, including issuing RFPs, writing scopes of work and managing their work?
03
Please indicate whether you have had at least two years of experience with these specific activities (check all that apply):
04
Why does this job appeal to you and why now?
Required Question
Location : 1 Civic Center Drive San Marcos, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025 - 66
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 09/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
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:
- 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: October3, 2025First 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.
Holidays - The City observes fourteen (14) paid holidays that include eleven (11) specifically designated days and three (3) floating holidays.
Vacation Leave - A new employee will accrue eighty (80) hours of vacation per calendar year for the first two years of service, one hundred, twenty (120) hours for years three through five, one hundred, sixty (160) hours for years six through ten and two hundred (200) hours after eleven years. Vacation accrual begins immediately; however, a new employee is not eligible to take vacation leave until the completion of six (6) months of service with the City.
Sick Leave - A new employee will earn ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave each year.
Bereavement Leave - Employees are eligible to use up to 40 hours of bereavement leave per fiscal year.
Executive Leave - As a "Mid Management Exempt" At Will employee, you will receive sixty (60) hours of Executive Leave per fiscal year. This leave cannot roll over, has no cash value, and any leave not used by June 30th of each year will be lost.
Group Health Insurance Program - A new employee will become a member of one of the City's group health plans (Aetna HMO, Aetna AWH HMO, Aetna PPO, or Kaiser HMO) effective the first day of the month following their date of hire. The City will pay 90% of the health care premium and employees will pick up 10% of the premiums of the plan they select.
Voluntary Dental/Vision Insurance Programs - The City offers two voluntary dental insurance programs, an HMO program and a PPO Program, as well as a voluntary vision insurance program.
Section 125 Flexible Spending Account - All employees are eligible to participate in the City's Section 125 Flexible Spending Account plan administered by Benefit Coordinators Corporation (BCC). This is an IRS-approved plan which enables you to have withheld from your paycheck an amount to cover eligible dependent care, and certain eligible medical expenses without being subject to federal income or social security tax on the income used to pay for these benefits.
Retirement - The City participates in both the Social Security (FICA) and the California Public Employees' Retirement Systems (CalPERS). The City currently contracts with CalPERS for the 2% at 55 benefit formula, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for CLASSIC members and 2% at 62, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for PEPRA (new) members. Employees will contribute 7% or 6.5% towards CalPERS, depending whether a classic or new member.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) - All employees participate in a Retiree Health Savings plan through the ICMA/MissionSquare Retirement Corporation.
Deferred Compensation Employer Match Program - The City offers a Deferred Compensation Employer Match Program, matching employee contributions up to 2%
Additional Benefits - The City offers additional benefits such as short and long-term disability, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, employee benefit allocation program and workers' compensation insurance.
01
How many years have you supervised staff (meaning you were responsible for hiring/separations, providing employee evaluations and supervising daily work):
- 1 year or less
- 2 to 4 years
- 5+ years
02
How many years have you directly managed contractors/consultants, including issuing RFPs, writing scopes of work and managing their work?
- 1 year or less
- 2 to 4 years
- 5+ years
03
Please indicate whether you have had at least two years of experience with these specific activities (check all that apply):
- Employee communication
- Emergency communication
- Website management
- Media relations
- Public engagement (community meetings, online surveys, etc.)
- Data analytics
04
Why does this job appeal to you and why now?
Required Question