Director of Communications UN
City of Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101
Salary:
Depends on Qualifications Location :
Albuquerque, NM Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
2600696 Department:
Mayor's Office Division:
MA-Mayor's Office Opening Date:
12/18/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous Bargaining Unit:
NU
Position Summary
Oversee all communications related to Mayor's office and City departments in a responsive, detail-oriented manner. This position provides the chance to lead the communication of policy goals for the largest city in the State of New Mexico. The Director is ultimately responsible for more than a twenty different departments' communication, digital, earned and paid media efforts in addition to a core team including the Press Secretary, Mayor Office's PIO, and other related staff. The day-to-day role historically offers one of the most intense and fulfilling opportunities in public communications in the state.
Use advanced messaging and methods to advance key City priorities. Provide management and direction to all communications staff. Use judgment to manage projects and workflow of team. Responsible for timeliness and quality of all products submitted for final review. Implement strategic communications plans and ensure that incoming requests for information are responded to in a timely, accurate and authentic manner. Routinely report on recommendations for and the status of assignments.
Actively manage public information officers and lead regular communications meetings to develop long-term plans and address issues that arise. Gather, develop and coordinate items from departments and incorporate items into planning. Establish two-way relationships with each member of the team to develop and utilize skill sets. Maintain a communications calendar, long term plans and system to track public appearance from key leaders.
Coordinate communications with internal divisions such as Constituent Services, as well as partner agencies, City Council, Legislature and community members. Maintain relationships with the media, to include editorial boards, reporters, and recurring participation by key leaders on television and radio shows. Take action to have factual errors and unprofessional conduct addressed. Ensure media lists are continuously updated. Determine when items should be sent to specific audiences, including national media or local advocacy groups. This is an unclassified at-will position.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Manage all internal and external media and public information messaging for the Mayor's office as well as City departments. Oversee timelines and project deliverables. Organize production of major events, including the State of the City address, as well as major reports. Assist with coordination and quality control for recurring briefings. Monitor completion and submittal of project components and deadlines. Engage as needed to see projects through to completion. Ensure alignment and coordination among the administration, city staff and communications partners. Report regularly on recommendations for and status of items and coordinate follow-up. Assist in review and approval of communications material as needed with a focus on consistency and deadlines SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, political science, public policy, public administration, or a related field preferred;
and
Eight (8) years of experience with increasing responsibilities in media communications and/or public relations preferred;
and
Supervisory experience preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. Preferred Knowledge Principles and practices of mass communication including experience with print, radio, television, and social media platforms Principles of project management Municipal government operations Microsoft Office and social media platforms Preferred Skills and Ability
Exercise good judgement and attention to detail Work independently taking responsibility for self and workload Plan, manage and meet project deadlines Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs Communicate clearly and assertively Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Working Conditions
Environmental: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for light lifting, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. NA 01
Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).
No High School Diploma High School Diploma or GED Non/degree accredited- Some College Associates Bachelors Masters Juris Doctorate Doctorate
02
Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.
No experience 1 to less than 6 months 6 to less than 12 months 1 year to less than 2 years 2 years to less than 3 years 3 years to less than 4 years 4 years to less than 5 years 5 years to less than 6 years 6 years to less than 7 years 7 years to less than 8 years 8 years to less than 9 years 9 years to less than 10 years 10 years to less than 11 years 11 years to less than 12 years 12 years to less than 13 years 13 or more years
03
Do you possess the supervisory experience outlined in the minimum requirements? If you have successfully completed the City of Albuquerque's Pre-Management Development Program (PMDP), please include two (2) additional years in your supervisory experience (attach certificate, if applicable).
Yes No
04
Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
Yes No
05
I acknowledge that I am applying for an unclassified at-will position. Interviews may or may not be conducted as unclassified positions can be appointed.
Yes No
Required Question
Depends on Qualifications Location :
Albuquerque, NM Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
2600696 Department:
Mayor's Office Division:
MA-Mayor's Office Opening Date:
12/18/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous Bargaining Unit:
NU
Position Summary
Oversee all communications related to Mayor's office and City departments in a responsive, detail-oriented manner. This position provides the chance to lead the communication of policy goals for the largest city in the State of New Mexico. The Director is ultimately responsible for more than a twenty different departments' communication, digital, earned and paid media efforts in addition to a core team including the Press Secretary, Mayor Office's PIO, and other related staff. The day-to-day role historically offers one of the most intense and fulfilling opportunities in public communications in the state.
Use advanced messaging and methods to advance key City priorities. Provide management and direction to all communications staff. Use judgment to manage projects and workflow of team. Responsible for timeliness and quality of all products submitted for final review. Implement strategic communications plans and ensure that incoming requests for information are responded to in a timely, accurate and authentic manner. Routinely report on recommendations for and the status of assignments.
Actively manage public information officers and lead regular communications meetings to develop long-term plans and address issues that arise. Gather, develop and coordinate items from departments and incorporate items into planning. Establish two-way relationships with each member of the team to develop and utilize skill sets. Maintain a communications calendar, long term plans and system to track public appearance from key leaders.
Coordinate communications with internal divisions such as Constituent Services, as well as partner agencies, City Council, Legislature and community members. Maintain relationships with the media, to include editorial boards, reporters, and recurring participation by key leaders on television and radio shows. Take action to have factual errors and unprofessional conduct addressed. Ensure media lists are continuously updated. Determine when items should be sent to specific audiences, including national media or local advocacy groups. This is an unclassified at-will position.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Manage all internal and external media and public information messaging for the Mayor's office as well as City departments. Oversee timelines and project deliverables. Organize production of major events, including the State of the City address, as well as major reports. Assist with coordination and quality control for recurring briefings. Monitor completion and submittal of project components and deadlines. Engage as needed to see projects through to completion. Ensure alignment and coordination among the administration, city staff and communications partners. Report regularly on recommendations for and status of items and coordinate follow-up. Assist in review and approval of communications material as needed with a focus on consistency and deadlines SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, political science, public policy, public administration, or a related field preferred;
and
Eight (8) years of experience with increasing responsibilities in media communications and/or public relations preferred;
and
Supervisory experience preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. Preferred Knowledge Principles and practices of mass communication including experience with print, radio, television, and social media platforms Principles of project management Municipal government operations Microsoft Office and social media platforms Preferred Skills and Ability
Exercise good judgement and attention to detail Work independently taking responsibility for self and workload Plan, manage and meet project deadlines Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs Communicate clearly and assertively Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Working Conditions
Environmental: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for light lifting, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. NA 01
Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).
No High School Diploma High School Diploma or GED Non/degree accredited- Some College Associates Bachelors Masters Juris Doctorate Doctorate
02
Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.
No experience 1 to less than 6 months 6 to less than 12 months 1 year to less than 2 years 2 years to less than 3 years 3 years to less than 4 years 4 years to less than 5 years 5 years to less than 6 years 6 years to less than 7 years 7 years to less than 8 years 8 years to less than 9 years 9 years to less than 10 years 10 years to less than 11 years 11 years to less than 12 years 12 years to less than 13 years 13 or more years
03
Do you possess the supervisory experience outlined in the minimum requirements? If you have successfully completed the City of Albuquerque's Pre-Management Development Program (PMDP), please include two (2) additional years in your supervisory experience (attach certificate, if applicable).
Yes No
04
Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
Yes No
05
I acknowledge that I am applying for an unclassified at-will position. Interviews may or may not be conducted as unclassified positions can be appointed.
Yes No
Required Question