The Position
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are
not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
JOB OBJECTIVES
Under general direction, to develop, organize and manage the strategic City-wide communication and community engagement efforts; develop communication strategy; oversee all City communication tools, including the use of Public, Educational and Governmental Channel, social media and City websites; develop, execute and shape a comprehensive representation of the City through short- and long-term public relations/marketing strategies; administer and manage ongoing development of integrated information programs; develop community engagement strategies for citywide initiatives; plan, organize and coordinate City of Coronado signature events, and related activities; perform general administrative functions; and supervise assigned staff and ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures. This position reports to the City Manager and is responsible for managing a centralized public information and media program that serves as the official communication channel between the City and the public.
Essential Job Functions
The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.
- Oversees Citywide and department-specific strategic communications efforts and develops and maintains communication plans, policies, procedures and standards.
- Establishes and executes short- and long-term public relations and marketing strategies to strengthen the City’s image through strategic messaging, branding, outreach initiatives, and media campaigns that build public trust and enhance visibility.
- Plans and develops media programs and campaigns to inform the public about City services, events, accomplishments, and initiatives.?
- Designs and manages community engagement programs and activities for City initiatives and capital improvement projects, including public outreach, events, surveys, and informational materials to increase public awareness and gather input.
- Develops and maintains content for the City’s websites and social media platforms, monitors engagement and responds to public comments and inquiries.
- Designs, writes, edits and produces public information materials such as videos, advertisements, brochures, flyers, mailers, newsletters, and other media. Works with City staff from various departments to coordinate City newsletter content.
- Provides strategic guidance to staff in City departments regarding public outreach, engagement, and involvement strategies to support City initiatives.
- Leads the planning and execution of special events such as dedications, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, receptions, and employee engagement activities.
- Develops and implements communication plans during emergencies; serves as the Public Information Officer in the Emergency Operations Center; and participates in emergency preparedness planning and training.
- Serves as the point of contact for the local media, and provides timely and accurate responses to media inquiries, and ensures the accuracy of information shared on behalf of the City.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries and represents the City in a professional and positive manner with the community.
- Maintains imagery from City events, activities and projects for use in media, newsletters, and press releases, and manages a photo library for use in City publications digital platforms.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Requirements
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional-level communications, public relations, or marketing program administration. Local government experience is desirable but not required.
Education/Training
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, marketing, business administration, public administration or a related field.
Licenses And Certificates
None.
Knowledge Of
Principles and practices of communications, public relations, marketing, and community outreach.
Media platforms and tools, including print, digital, social media, and web-based communication.
Strategies and tools for public involvement including surveys, public meetings, and stakeholder outreach.
Techniques for interacting with the media and preparing press releases and announcements.
Planning and preparing special events and community programs.
Methods of planning and implementing an effective public engagement program.
Supervisory principles and practices.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Operations and functions of municipal government.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of public speaking.
Modern office software and digital tools including word processing, spreadsheet, and content management applications.
Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations relevant to public communications.
Ability To
Oversee, plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of lower-level staff.
Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives and procedures.
Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple work activities and meet critical deadlines.
Perform administrative and analytical activities for assigned programs or departments.
Independently plan, organize and schedule work to meet administrative requirements and deadlines.
Research, analyze and evaluate programs, policies and procedures.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and associated word processing applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Examination & Selection Process
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a completed City of Coronado employment application, along with your cover letter, resume, and a sample of your communications work, no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on June 9, 2025. Your work sample may include a press release, social media post, flyer, newsletter article, or any other material that demonstrates your writing and messaging skills.
Applicants whose qualifications best meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in an oral interview and may also be asked to complete a written assessment. Finalists will be invited for a departmental interview with the City Manager.
ANNUAL LEAVE
Self-Represented employees accrue annual leave (combined vacation and sick leave) at the following rates:
- 0-5 Years of Service: 144 hours per a year
- 5-10 Years of Service: 192 hours per a year
- 10-19 Years of Service: 216 hours per a year
- 20+ Years of Service: 232 hours per a year
Lateral Service Credit
Effective January 1, 2023, employees shall be given credit for prior verifiable public service employment for annual leave accrual rates.
HOLIDAYS
The City observes 11 holidays and provides eight (8) hours of holiday pay to employees on the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King’s Birthday
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
In addition to the above specified holidays, employees are credited with two eight (8) hour floating holidays each fiscal year in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday, Juneteenth, and Cesar Chavez’s Birthday.
RETIREMENT
Enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:
PEPRA Members: 2% at 62
Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan after January 1, 2013, are considered new members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and a consecutive 36-month compensation period. Employees currently pay 7.50% (pre-tax) toward the retirement contribution, which for PEPRA members, is determined by CalPERS each fiscal year based upon the actuarial report.
Classic Members: 3% at 60
Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan prior to January 1, 2013, with no break in service or a break in service of less than 6 months are considered Classic Members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and the single highest year of compensation. Employees pay 9.5% (pre-tax) toward retirement benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees are eligible to join the ICMA-RC 457 deferred compensation plan. This plan allows employees to set aside pre-tax wages for retirement.
Additional Benefits
Cafeteria Benefit Plan
The City provides a Cafeteria Benefit Plan with a 2025 monthly allotment of $2,168 that can be used to help cover the cost of medical, dental, vision, supplemental life insurance, and ancillary benefits. The City participates in the CalPERS Group Health Benefits, which offers several options including HMO and PPO plans. Any remaining balance from the Cafeteria Benefit Plan can be designated to a health reimbursement account (HRA) for reimbursement of eligible health care expenses and/or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) for eligible dependent care expenses.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
The City provides short-term disability insurance equal to 66-2/3% of income (up to $1,000/week) after a 14-day waiting period. The City provides long-term disability insurance with a monthly benefit of up to $5,000 after a 90-day waiting period. Employees have the option to elect enhanced long-term disability insurance (up to $8,000/month).
Life Insurance
The City provides group term life insurance and AD&D in an amount equal to $50,000 or one times base annual salary, whichever is greater. In addition to the basic group life insurance provided by the City, employees may purchase up to $500,000 of supplemental life insurance. Coverage over $150,000 is subject to approval by the insurance provider. Employees may also elect supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouse/registered domestic partner and child(ren).
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential evaluation and up to 6 free counseling visits for employees, family members, and anyone residing in the home of an employee.
$2,000 Tuition Reimbursement
Each fiscal year $2,000 is available for reimbursement for costs such as tuition, fees, books, and other required materials for approved courses leading to a college degree. Reimbursement is made upon written verification of satisfactory completion of coursework. All expenses in excess of $2,000 will roll over to subsequent years and will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per year so long as the employee remains employed with the City. Student Loan Repayment can be used under this benefit.
Longevity Pay
Bonus at ten (10) years and every five (5) years after.
Social Security & Medicare
The City participates in Social Security and Medicare.
For more information regarding benefits and retirement
CLICK HERE.
For more information regarding Personal Authorization & Compensation Plan (PACP),
CLICK HERE
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the "Work History/Experience" section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.
- I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.
02
How many years of experience do you have in responsible professional-level communications, public relations, or marketing program administration?
- No experience
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5-6 years
- 7-8 years
- 9-10 years
- More than 10 years
03
Do you have local government experience?
04
Are you proficient in the following (check all that apply):
- Video production
- Graphic Design
05
Please describe your experience managing website and social media content and associated software products you are proficient in. If none, indicate N/A.
06
Please describe how you would work to improve the City's communication efforts.
07
Why are you interested in this position with the City of Coronado?
08
Have you attached a sample of your communications work to your application?
