Public Information Coordinator

cityofportales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 33,396 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales is seeking a Public Information Coordinator to serve as the primary liaison to the public and media. The role involves planning and coordinating City communications, ensuring compliance with laws, and delivering effective outreach initiatives.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in public administration or communications and 1-3 years of related experience. The City is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive environment and offers a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, or related field.
• 1-3 years experience in public administration or public information.
• Ability to analyze complex data and prepare comprehensive reports.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City’s primary liaison to the public and media.
• Plan and coordinate Citywide communication initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with laws and policies related to communications.

Skills

Communication skills

Public relations

Analytical skills

Experience with legislation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION POSTING: #2026-10

POSITION: PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR

DEPARTMENT: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

SHIFT: REGULAR-40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY: $33,396-$55,000 ANNUALLY (SALARY IS DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the IT Director, serves as the City’s primary liaison to the public and media. Responsible for planning and coordinating assigned Citywide communications and outreach initiatives, including strategic messaging as directed by City Administration, public information, emergency communications, and digital content. Coordinates media relations, municipal meetings support, and communication platforms, and reviews outbound City communications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance prior to release, as directed. Performs administrative, analytical, and departmental support duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

1. Demonstrates respect and contributes to a positive work culture.
2. Maintains enthusiasm and accountability.
3. Demonstrates dedication and professionalism.
4. Exhibits solution-oriented leadership by welcoming innovation and change.
5. Works collaboratively as part of a team.
6. Communicates effectively with staff, leadership, and the public.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with City, County, State, and Federal laws, policies, procedures, and directives.
2. Prioritize and manage multiple assignments effectively in a fast-paced environment.
3. Analyze complex data, evaluate findings, and prepare clear, comprehensive reports and studies.
4. Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally in both written and oral formats.
5. Analyze complex political, social, and community-related issues and respond to community needs.
6. Deliver effective oral presentations and written communications.
7. Represent the City professionally in meetings with government agencies, boards, commissions, community groups, media, and the public to build consensus.
8. Build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, staff, media representatives, and the general public under diverse circumstances.
9. Operate computer hardware and applicable software used in local government environments.
10. Creative and professional writing and editing of reports, publications, and public communications on a wide range of subjects.
11. Exercising sound judgment, flexibility, creativity, and cultural sensitivity in dynamic and evolving situations.
12. Organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks and projects within established deadlines.
13. Establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative, and productive working relationships.
14. Working effectively with diverse, multicultural, and religious communities.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

KNOWLEDGE

1. City, County, State, and Federal laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative policies, and operational guidelines related to local government operations.
2. Principles and practices of public administration, journalism, and public relations, including media requirements and standards.
3. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Public Records Request Act requirements.
4. Individual and group dynamics, including volunteers, community‑based organizations, and multicultural communities.
5. Modern office practices, procedures, and the use of computer equipment and software.
6. English language usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional writing standards.
7. Research methods, data sources, information accessibility, and report preparation techniques.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

1. Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major work in public administration, communications, or a closely related field.
2. One to three years of work experience in public administration, preferably including professional experience in the development and coordination of public affairs, public information, community outreach, social media marketing, community relations, and compliance processes; the development, administration, and delivery of social‑based programs; and working with culturally and ethically diverse groups.
3. A background of one to three years of experience working in municipal government, with an emphasis on communications, public relations, community outreach, or public information preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Indoor office environment with moderate noise level and subject to constant interruptions. May be required to work outside the typical work schedule. May be subject to call out and/or call‑back.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, and turning. It also requires routine use of a computer keyboard and operating a small desk mouse. The position may require pulling or pushing up to 40 pounds and may involve bending, kneeling, or climbing stairs. The incumbent will need to be able to perform tasks that involve shaking hands, prolonged repetition, and force application. Performance may also require the ability to maintain a steady hand or eye coordination for extended periods while performing computer work. Physical demands may also require the use of hearing and vision to read or communicate with others.

WORK SCHEDULE

The regular work week is 8 hours a day and 5 days a week with one hour off for lunch. Additional time may be required after regular hours. Schedule to be established by supervisor.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

1. Limited travel‑ability to travel for meetings and training may be required.
2. Overnight travel may be required.

PRE‑EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

1. Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION

First review is Friday, May 22nd, 2026, and weekly thereafter. Applicants must submit required application to Human Resources at City Hall, 1028 West Community Way, Portales, N.M. 88130 or online at www.portalesnm.gov.

APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have read and understand the above position specifications for the Public Information Coordinator. I understand the demands and expectations of the position described and to the best of my knowledge, believe I can perform these duties.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

The City is an EOE and Drug Free Workplace.