Communications Specialist

Bernalillo County; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 54,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Remote & flex-work options

Education assistance program

Career development opportunities

Generous leave accruals

Job summary

Bernalillo County is seeking a Communications Specialist to support strategic communications for the Office of the Chief of Staff. The role involves researching audiences, developing content, coordinating news releases, speeches, newsletters, and social media, and ensuring messaging aligns with County priorities.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field with at least two years of public information experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Two (2) years related work experience in public information.
• Equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Supports strategic communications plans and public awareness campaigns by researching audiences, objectives, key messages, channels, resources, and measures of success.
• Coordinates clear, accurate, and accessible communications, including news releases, media advisories, talking points, speeches, publications, newsletters, social media, and content.
• Reviews County programs, policies, services, and priorities and develops audience-focused information for public understanding and engagement.
• Gathers information to support communication planning and evaluates effectiveness with digital metrics, media monitoring, and community feedback.
• Assists with photography, social media content creation, and coverage of public events.
• Coordinates communications with departments to ensure consistent messaging aligned with County priorities.
• Collaborates with management, subject matter experts, officials, and stakeholders to support communications activities and media relations.
• Responds to media and stakeholder inquiries with timely, accurate responses.
• Ensures communications comply with branding, accessibility, confidentiality, and records management standards.
• Uses emerging technologies and County-approved AI tools to support research, content development, planning, analysis, accessibility, and workflow with human oversight.
• Keeps current knowledge of communications practices and public-sector standards.

Skills

Public information experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field

Job description

Communications Specialist

Department

Office of the Chief of Staff

Location

415 SILVER AVE SW

Pay Range

$54,018.00 - $85,363.00

Close Date

October 14, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

The Communications Specialist supports strategic communications for the County by conducting research, developing content, and assisting with communication activities, audience analysis, messaging, and use of communication channels and emerging technologies. The position works with departments and organizational functions to help develop clear and consistent communications that support public understanding and County priorities.

Duties And Responsibilities

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

• Supports communications plans and public awareness campaigns by researching audiences, objectives, key messages, communication channels, resources, and measures of success.
• Coordinates clear, accurate, and accessible communications, including news releases, media advisories, talking points, speeches, publications, newsletters, social media, video scripts, and other content.
• Reviews complex County programs, policies, services, and priorities and develops clear, audience-focused information that supports public understanding and engagement.
• Conducts research and gathers information to support communication planning and evaluates communication effectiveness using digital metrics, media monitoring, community feedback, and other available data.
• Assist with photography, social media content creation, and the planning and coverage of public events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, commissioner events, and other community activities.
• Coordinates communications and visual materials with departments, divisions, and organizational functions to support consistent messaging and alignment with County priorities.
• Collaborates with management, subject matter experts, elected officials, communications teams, and community stakeholders to support communications activities, media relations, public appearances, and special events.
• Responds to media, stakeholder, and community inquiries and assists in coordinating timely, accurate, and appropriate responses.
• Reviews communications for compliance with County branding, style, accessibility, confidentiality, records management, and other applicable standards and requirements.
• Uses emerging technologies and County-approved artificial intelligence tools to support research, content development, planning, analysis, accessibility, and workflow efficiency, with appropriate human oversight.
• Maintains current knowledge of communications practices, digital platforms, accessibility standards, analytics, emerging technologies, and public-sector communications to support effective communication practices.
• The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Two (2) years related work experience in public information.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

PREFERENCE

• Spanish/English bilingual proficiency preferred.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Essential duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) and occasionally outdoors (10%). Indoor duties take place in a temperature-controlled environment. Employee is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
• Indoor duties are performed on even surfaces, which may be carpeted or tiled. Surfaces are typically dry.
• Outdoor duties are performed on even or uneven surfaces, which may be wet or dry. Surfaces may be inclined or flat and may include gravel, asphalt, or concrete.
• Most duties are performed independently. Some tasks may be completed as part of a select team.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Materials and products handled include files, forms, reports, paperwork, and a variety of basic office supplies.
• A County vehicle is used occasionally.