City of San Diego: Director of Communications and Media Relations

Director of Communications and Media Relations

Location: San Diego, CA, 92101

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 (Yearly)

Healthcare: Employer-sponsored health insurance offered

Company: City of San Diego

Department: Communications

Employment Type: Other

Job Req ID: 406 Department: City Council - Place 5 Salary Range: $80,000.00 to $110,000.00 Job Type: Unclassified Business Area: Council District 5 Personnel Area: City Council- District 5 Closing Date: 09/08/2025

Job Description

Closing Date: 09/08/2025

Position Description

Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications and Media Relations will execute the office's messaging strategy and collaborate with the Digital Media Manager for San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. This role is key to shaping the Councilmember's public voice and online presence, translating policy priorities, community initiatives, and constituent services into impactful and accessible messaging.

In addition to managing the office's communications and press relations, the Director of Communications and Media Relations will also serve as the Community Representative for Carmel Mountain Ranch. They will be responsible for responding directly to constituent inquiries from the Carmel Mountain Ranch community. This includes addressing questions, concerns, and service requests in a timely, professional, and courteous manner, ensuring residents feel heard, supported, and connected to city resources and services.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing and storytelling skills, a solid understanding of local government, robust knowledge of the local media landscape, excellent press instincts, and a passion for civic engagement. This position requires digital fluency, and political awareness to effectively assist with all social media channels, newsletters, and other public-facing communications.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Spearheading all press relations, press conference and event logistics, and drafting all relevant communications
• Writing Op-ed's and letters of support for various initiatives and policy proposals
• Maintaining the official City Council District 5 website
• Compiling and distributing daily press clippings
• Working with the Digital Media Manager to distribute cohesive communications online
• Producing and distributing a monthly newsletter
• Representing the community of Carmel Mountain Ranch

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's degree
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Professional press experience desired
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design platforms
• Spanish language skills preferred
• Political campaign experience preferred

The Department:

Council District 5 includes the communities of Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Miramar Ranch North, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual, Scripps Ranch, and Torrey Highlands. Led by the Councilmember representing the district, its focus is on addressing the needs and concerns of residents and businesses within its boundaries. The district office oversees local initiatives, community development projects, and constituent services. Responsibilities include advocating for infrastructure improvements, public safety measures, and economic development opportunities tailored to the unique characteristics of District 5. Additionally, the office collaborates with City departments and community organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote civic engagement.

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego's strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City's Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is "Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City." The City's Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region's largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City's website.

Benefits:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee's eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
• City-paid life insurance.
• Paid annual, discretionary, parental, and bereavement leave.
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Enjoy a free transit pass (MTS Trolley, Bus, Rapid & Express), discounted access to premier City golf courses, and reduced-rate fitness center memberships—all designed to keep you moving, active, and thriving.

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:

Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City's pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.