Communication Specialist

Position: COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Join our team

The City of San Marcos is investing in transparency, customer service and community engagement, with the goal of providing an even better level of service to our community. None of this happens without good communication, which is where you come in.

What we're looking for

This role will support day-to-day communication with the community across all service areas. Our ideal candidate will already have some direct experience in a communication role and a passion for helping local government connect with those we serve.

Why you'll love it here

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 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

This opportunity is currently available -- applications will reviewed as received and well qualified candidates will be contacted directly to set up an interview. Don't delay -- apply today!

Application period closes: 4:00pm, March 4th, 2026

Interview:
Week of March 9th

What we offer

A competitive salary

9/80 schedule (city is closed every other Friday)

Hybrid work options

Generous health benefits (all medical premiums employer paid at 90%)

Time off (15 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays and vacation)

Participate in the CalPERS retirement system (Classic members 2% @ 55, PEPRA members 2% @ 62) and Social Security

Examples of Essential Functions

* Determine appropriate media to market different programs, services, and events using communication strategies and techniques.

* Support the Communication Manager in creating routine brand-compliant content and campaigns, ensuring optimized presence, consistent messaging, and visual elements on City of San Marcos social media channels.

* Under supervision, contribute to the daily maintenance of the social media editorial calendar, including researching, analyzing, writing original content, and taking brand-compliant photos and videos.

* Participate in meetings to coordinate details and tasks.

* Meet deadlines and manage projects flexibly and professionally with direct supervision.

* Monitor existing City of San Marcos social media channels, as well as future channels the City may acquire, for conversations and inquiries directed to or about San Marcos.

* Keep managers informed of critical or sensitive social media activity, which may require further action by management. Work collaboratively with program areas to quickly and effectively resolve routine inquiries.

* Perform less complex analytical assignments/projects as needed, including tracking social media metrics, analyzing, and reporting on the effectiveness of social media campaigns. Appropriately apply findings to improve engagement and reach of posts.

* Work collaboratively to promote social media programs through outreach events, live-tweeting, and writing and disseminating relevant information to internal staff, members, employers, and stakeholders.

* Monitor emerging trends in social media tools and provide insight on how they may be incorporated into existing strategies. Under supervision, research best practices and make recommendations to enhance social media usage.

* Assist with the development of customer and public relations materials, including news releases, media clips, PSAs, fact sheets, newsletters, and outreach campaign materials-created and executed by both staff and consultants.

* Take photographs and videos for city promotional publications and digital platforms.

* Represent the Office of Communications at meetings with residents, public and private organizations, and staff.

* Write and edit press releases, news articles regarding…