Deputy Director of Communications UN

Position Summary

Under general direction, assist in overseeing all communications, media relations, and public information strategies related to the Mayor’s Office and City departments. Support the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives that advance the Mayor’s priorities and ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated messaging across the organization. Assist in directing daily communications operations, media response efforts, digital communications, and public engagement activities while serving as a key advisor to executive leadership on communications strategy and crisis response.

The Deputy Director supports the Director of Communications in managing public information officers, communications staff, and related operations. This position coordinates communications planning, media outreach, executive messaging, and special projects while ensuring consistency in branding, messaging, and public communications. The role may serve as acting director in the absence of the Director of Communications.

This is an unclassified at-will position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below)

• Assist in managing internal and external media and public information messaging for the Mayor’s Office and City departments.
• Coordinate strategic communications initiatives, media relations, digital communications, and public engagement efforts.
• Assist in overseeing timelines, deliverables, and communications projects to ensure timely completion and quality control.
• Draft, review, and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, social media content, public statements, and related communications materials.
• Coordinate and support major events, press conferences, briefings, and public appearances involving executive leadership.
• Monitor media coverage and assist in responding to media inquiries, emerging issues, and crisis communications.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between departments, executive leadership, public information officers, and external stakeholders.
• Participate in communications planning meetings and assist in developing long-term messaging strategies and communications calendars.
• Provide guidance and support to communications staff and department public information officers regarding messaging consistency and communications standards.
• Ensure communications materials align with administration priorities, branding, and public information objectives.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with media outlets, reporters, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Analyze communications effectiveness and recommend improvements to messaging strategies and outreach efforts.
• Prepare reports, updates, and recommendations regarding communications activities and projects.
• Serve as acting Director of Communications as assigned.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, political science, public administration, public relations, marketing, or a related field preferred; and

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, public information, public affairs, journalism, or related field preferred; and

Two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience preferred.

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Working Conditions

Environmental:

Office environment; exposure to computer screens; frequent interaction with media, elected officials, staff, and the public.

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; occasional lifting and carrying of light materials; ability to attend meetings and events outside normal business hours as required.