Strategic Communications Director

City of San Diego

1d•$180,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is driving one of the most ambitious and effective municipal agendas in California – focused on keeping people safe, reducing homelessness, building more housing, and fixing streets and other critical infrastructure. The Office is searching for a Strategic Communications Director to lead the mayor’s communications efforts and comprehensive communications strategies. This is a senior leadership role in the Mayor’s Office that reports directly to the mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies on the mayor’s agenda and Administration. This full-time, in-person position will oversee a range of communications functions, including strategic planning, writing and editing press materials, media relations, and supervising the delivery of digital content across web and social media platforms. The Director will also serve as the mayor’s lead spokesperson, strategist, and advisor on communications, media relations, crisis response, and message development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, political campaigns, or government.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills with on-the-record experience as a spokesperson.
Experience leading integrated communications efforts across earned, owned, and digital platforms.
Demonstrated success in managing media relations.
Strong judgement, political instincts, and ability to perform under pressure in a fast-moving environment.
Commitment to the values of transparency and public service.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop integrated communications strategies to promote the mayor’s policy agenda and priorities through earned media, owned media, and public appearances.
Serve as the Mayor’s lead spokesperson: Managing and responding to media inquiries, and representing the Administration in press briefings, interviews, and on-the-record communications.
Message Development: Craft core messaging, speeches, statements, and talking points that reflect the mayor’s voice and values, ensuring clarity and consistency across platforms.
Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with journalists, opinion leaders, and media outlets to effectively share the City of San Diego’s vision and priorities.
Oversee digital and social media strategy, ensuring consistency and creativity in tone, voice, and visual storytelling.
Cross-Department Coordination: Partner with, and provide strategic counsel to, the City’s Communications Department and the Mayor’s executive team to align messaging.
Monitor local, state, and national media trends to anticipate issues and identify proactive opportunities for leadership storytelling and engagement.

Benefits

Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
City-paid life insurance.