Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCP345: Communications Specialist Senior

Communications Specialist Senior

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCP345
7
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
61,339.00 - 77,043.00 - 96,866.00 USD Annual
$29.49 - $37.04 - $46.57
$61,339.00 - $77,043.00 - $96,866.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist Senior plans, develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive strategic communications program for an assigned division and/or County elected official(s). The position supports both internal and external communication functions and ensures alignment with the County’s overall communication goals. Assignments are coordinated through the Communications Coordinator, Department Director, Deputy County Manager, County Manager, and/or County elected official(s). The Communications Specialist Senior reports directly to the Communications Coordinator, Department Director, or designated elected official.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Respond to and work directly with news media as the spokesperson and primary contact for media inquiries related to the assigned department, division, and/or elected office.
  • Plan and execute events such as groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, news conferences, and community gatherings.
  • Produce and distribute content using a variety of communication platforms, including news releases, articles, opinion pieces, public awareness campaigns, brochures, information packets, newsletters, public service announcements, advertisements, social media, videos, still photography, Bernalillo County TV (BCTV), the intranet, and the County website.
  • Coordinate and schedule speaking engagements; write speeches, proclamations, and acknowledgments. Deliver presentations on behalf of the County.
  • Assist in managing responses to media-related Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests.
  • Update and maintain website content for the assigned department, division, or elected official’s office.
  • Coordinate with marketing, branding, website, social media, and videography teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of media and community contacts. Manage digital archives and databases to track communication activities and history.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential records, plans, documents, and decisions with discretion and in compliance with County policies.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. The specific allocation of duties may vary based on the needs of the department or division.


*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 related academic field.
  • Five (5) years of related work experience in public information.

*Any equivalent combination or related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS


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

  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must complete the required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Employee must complete the required Supervisor classes if applicable.
  • Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while employed in this position.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Essential duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) and occasionally outdoors (10%). Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment. The worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
  • Indoor duties are performed on an even surface, which may be carpeted or tiled. The working surface is typically dry.
  • Outdoor duties may be performed on both even and uneven surfaces, which may be either wet or dry. Surfaces may be inclined or flat, and range from gravel, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Most duties are performed alone. A worker may perform certain duties as part of a select team of individuals.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of duties includes cameras, a telephone, a computer, a photocopy machine, a facsimile machine, and a calculator.
  • Materials and products handled while performing essential duties include files, forms, reports, various other paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.
  • County vehicle is used on an occasional basis.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM