Public Affairs & Communication Specialist

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Job Req ID: 541 

Division: City Council - Place 1 

Salary Range: $80,000.00 to $90,000.00 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Council District 1 

Personnel Area: City Council- District 1 

Closing Date: 12/12/2025 

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Council President Joe LaCava, San Diego City Council District 1, seeks a qualified Public Affairs and Communication Specialist to communicate and elevate the Council President’s vision and legislative priorities. The successful candidate will plan, develop, and execute accurate and professional public information, outreach, and social media content, including websites, emails, videos, speeches, Op-eds, and newsletters, with an eye for accuracy, optics, timeliness, and tone.  

This position will report directly to the District 1 Chief of Staff. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Crafting and executing all external communications with voice consistency 

• Use CRM to measure outreach efficacy and improve future communication 

• Partner with the District 1 Policy Team and Community Engagement Director on legislative, policy, and community matters  

• Support rapid response communications during high-profile or crisis events 

• Monitor trends and conversations in local media to inform messaging and identify opportunities for engagement 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum three years in political writing, journalism, public relations, or policy 

• Experience creating content tailored for social media platforms  

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, public-facing environment 

• Ability to work well in internal and external teams, including colleagues, elected officials, operational departments, community groups, and the media  

• Demonstrates sound professional judgment, political acumen, and a willingness to serve the public interest 

• Occasional evenings and weekends required

The Department: 

Council District 1 includes the communities of Carmel Valley, Del Mar Mesa, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, and the portion of University City west of the I-5. Home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, Birch Aquarium, Salk Institute, and the Sanford-Burnham Institute, District One has become a nationally recognized hub for higher education, scientific research, biotech and high-tech industries. The district office oversees local initiatives, community development projects, and constituent services. Responsibilities include advocating for infrastructure improvements, public safety measures, and economic development opportunities tailored to the unique characteristics of District 1. For more information, please visit this link.

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan". 

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Benefits:

The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• 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. 

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees  (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924. 

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information.  Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. 

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.   
 
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.