Communications Manager

The Position

Connect. Communicate. Engage. Join the City of Encinitas as our next Communications Manager/Public Information Officer and play a pivotal role in how our community stays informed, engaged, and connected. In this unique role, you'll single-handedly manage communication functions that directly shape how the City shares information. Working within the City Manager's Office, you'll play a key role in ensuring that communication is transparent, timely, and meaningful – often collaborating with leadership and securing approvals on high-visibility initiatives. Your work will make a tangible impact on residents, businesses, and partners throughout the City of Encinitas.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a versatile communications expert who thrives as the City's sole communications professional. The ideal candidate:

• Manages and interfaces with the media including inquiries, crisis management, and emergencies, providing factual, clear, and vetted information that supports the City's interests and enhances positive relations.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan, develop, and produce multimedia content – such as videos, graphics, and digital assets – gained through progressive experience using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, and other design or editing platforms.
• Manages and routinely updates the City's social media accounts, such as Nextdoor, Facebook, X, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube.
• Manages the City's graphics services function, including photography audiovisual presentations, and city publications, including logos, posters, and flyers; sets design and communications standards; conducts brand audits of work produced by City employees and contractors.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of the City's website; creates and update web pages; writes scripts and narrate videos for posting to website and digital media; provides guidance and oversight to other city departments regarding website and online content.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Encinitas is a scenic coastal city known for its six-mile shoreline with a highly engaged and informed community. For a Communications Manager, it offers a uniquely rewarding environment-one where public service and community connection come together. The City fosters a collaborative and supportive workplace culture that values clear communication, and meaningful engagement with residents, partners, and stakeholders.

Impact

If you're a communications professional who enjoys independently solving projects through a diverse workload, leading variety of communications consultants, and making a real impact, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of how Encinitas tells its story.

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry): Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, business administration, or related field, and five (5) years of increasingly responsible and progressive experience in directing a comprehensive communications program, including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Application Process and Deadline

To be considered, complete the online application in detail and attach:

• A cover letter explaining your qualifications for this position.
• A resume , highlighting your work experience.
• (Optional) A portfolio of past professional communications work within the last year emphasizing video and design integration, with an explanation of what each project was for. This work may be performed by yourself, or a consultant that you supervised.

*** Incomplete application packets are not accepted ***

This job posting is open until the position is filled. First review of applications will be on the week of June 29, 2026, and qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.

The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.