Communications Specialist - Bilingual

JOB SUMMARY

The Bilingual Communications Specialist, under the direction of the Communications and Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Manager, serves as a key member of the City’s communication team. This position performs a variety of public information and marketing duties in support of the City of San Marcos' goals and mission, with a special emphasis on bilingual (Spanish) written materials, media relations, community engagement, and emergency management communication. This position will be a proactive communicator who establishes meaningful connections with community members and represents the City at public events and neighborhood meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING

Primary duties include:

• Writing, designing, editing, and disseminating news releases, brochures, newsletters, calendars, electronic publications, reports, and multimedia correspondence with the media and the public.
• Convert written material from English to Spanish
• Coordinates media relations with local, state, and national media, including print, online, radio, and television outlets.
• Collaborates with and supports City departments in identifying and addressing public relations opportunities, ensuring cohesive messaging and outreach across all areas of municipal service.

Coordinates and implements special programs and events:

• Develops marketing and advertising plans and related collateral material.
• Assists with the implementation of the community brand through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders/partners.
• Provides marketing counsel and support to city departments in the promotion of special events, campaigns, services, and programs.

Performs administrative functions associated with communications:

• Conducts research projects, assists with budget, reports, news clips, mailing lists, presentations, and proclamations.
• Drafts letters, communications, standard operating procedures, and other correspondence.
• Assists with award nominations, scripts, speeches, and talking points.

Assists with a variety of electronic media and municipal broadcasting duties:

• Assists with maintaining, developing, and updating the City’s website and employee portal.
• Assists with social media programming and responding to the public through multiple platforms.
• Assists with programming the City’s Government Cable Channels, video projects, and photography.
• Monitors and reports on communication effectiveness using analytics, including website traffic, social media engagement, media impressions, community event attendance, and outreach survey results.

Provides key support for City emergency operations:

• Serves as a key member of the public communications team during emergencies and maintains an on-call status for response to City and department emergencies, as needed.
• Drafts and maintains communications standard operating procedures in relation to emergency response.

Community engagement and outreach:

• Build relationships with residents, local organizations, and enhance two-way communications between the City and the public.
• Serve as a liaison for culturally relevant outreach and help foster trust in historically underserved or underrepresented neighborhoods.
• Attend and help plan community events, town halls, and neighborhood meetings to promote City programs, collect public input, and inform outreach strategies.
• Develop culturally competent outreach strategies and inclusive messaging.
• Proactively identify and recommend new ways to increase the City’s presence in the community, particularly among Spanish-speaking populations, and analyze the effectiveness of outreach strategies.

Maintains multimedia design and technical quality by staying abreast of current equipment and technology, suggesting equipment upgrades when required. Evaluates and makes recommendations on the effectiveness of communication tools utilizing analytics.

Participates in professional organizations and marketing information groups to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals.

Other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position works under general supervision.
• Manages special projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications)

• Bilingual English and Spanish, native or near-native written and verbal competence
• Bachelor’s Degree required (preferred degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication, or an equivalent).
• Three (3) years’ experience, including extensive experience in writing and marketing plan development; media relations; digital photography, videography, website design, social media platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience in developing and presenting oral and written presentations.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with local government is desired.
• Experience with grassroots outreach, community organizing, or field communications is a plus.
• Experience in crisis communications, including preparing messaging for emergencies, media inquiries, and sensitive public issues.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Must be able to read and comprehend budgets, technical documents, reports, studies, surveys, manuals, and municipal codes.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills are required; must possess the ability to use discretion and good judgement, and the ability to fairly and accurately present controversial issues to the public; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with City officials and departments, media representatives, outside agencies, local, regional, state and federal officials and agencies, community organizations, local businesses, and the general public.

*Submission of a portfolio showcasing relevant work (e.g., writing samples, graphics, campaigns, or bilingual outreach materials) is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting to 30 pounds occasionally. Subject to sitting, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, hearing, and talking frequently; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing, balancing, and foot controls occasionally; kneeling, crouching, bending, and twisting rarely.

Working conditions include occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, emergency incidents, crime scenes, fires, and project construction sites.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 11:59 PM Central

• 

• City of San Marcos, TX

• 512-393-8060

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