Communications & Engagement Manager MC

Communications And Engagement Manager

Important Notice: This position is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2027 and is anticipated to become available after July 1, 2026. While recruitment activities may occur prior to that date, no hiring decision or start date will be finalized until after July 1, 2026, and is subject to final budget and governing body approval. The Communications And Engagement Manager is responsible for and manages the City of Rio Rancho's public information needs; messaging, branding, and content across multiple platforms; and media relations. This position directly supervises City Administration communications staff and provides strategic direction, coordination and oversight to department-level personnel performing communications functions to ensure alignment with established City communications goals and messaging objectives while maintaining existing departmental reporting relationships. This position develops and executes administrative special events and community engagement efforts and initiatives, which includes direct support to elected officials.

Education / higher education: Bachelor's Degree

For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Communications, Journalism, Marketing/Advertising, Public Relations, English, Government, or directly related discipline.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Eight (8) years of directly related experience. A combination of relevant education and experience totaling twelve (12) years may be substituted to satisfy the minimum qualifications.

Education and/or experience preferences: Master's Degree in the above-mentioned fields and Government-related communications and/or Public Relations-related experience. Three (3) years in a manager role.

Driver's License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None

Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Knowledge: Government (specifically local government); public relations; communications (multiple forms); marketing; news media and journalism; and social media and associated applications.

Skills: Proficiency in computer software including word processing and spreadsheet applications. Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and public speaking.

Abilities: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via email, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Use technology, equipment and software typically used in an office environment. Utilize math concepts to present data in charts, graphs, and presentations. Address a variety of concrete or abstract variables in standard or non-standard situations. Read, analyze and interpret technical reports, documents and financial reports, and then convey these concepts to different audiences both in written and verbal form.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Ability to teach and train City employees. Ability to speak with news media and the public clearly and precisely in group settings, one-on-one, and on-camera.

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Create and implement comprehensive multi-channel communication and marketing plans (digital/social media, TV production, print, radio, etc.) as needed to further organizational goals and directives.
• Draft and create content for public information and marketing related needs and purposes across various platforms.
• Oversee and manage communications-related service contracts (e.g., Website, local government TV, etc.)
• Supervise at least one Communications Specialist position as a direct report, and train and provide oversight to designated City staff with public information-related assignments/duties.
• Responsible for quality control of all public communications and City communications platforms; and lead in the internal development of standard operating procedures and policies for communication needs.
• Track and monitor media coverage of the City and City officials.
• Serve as a City spokesperson/Public Information Officer as needed.
• Respond to and/or oversee news media inquiries and follow-up by designated City staff.
• Draft and implement communications and public engagement strategies, best practices, and policies.
• Plan and execute administrative City special events (e.g., ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings).
• Develop and execute strategies to monitor the effectiveness of marketing and engagement efforts and initiatives.
• Assist with constituent services efforts, including direct support to elected officials as needed.
• Recommend, develop, and execute administrative/citywide community engagement efforts, including those for elected officials that may include direct support.
• Develop applicable budgets and manage resource allocation.
• Aid the City Manager and Deputy City Manager as needed.