Communications and Engagement Officer - Sustainability Department (Departmental Promotional Only)

About the Role

The County of San Mateo Sustainability Department is seeking a highly organized, creative, and service-oriented communications leader to develop and execute strategic communications that advance sustainability, climate action, and community resilience. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, branding, community engagement, and digital content to promote the Department’s programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Advise Department leadership on communications strategy, messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement for sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communications plans to advance Department priorities, programs, and organizational goals.
• Establish and maintain Department-wide branding standards, communications templates, outreach tools, and editorial procedures.
• Lead external communications, including media relations, digital content, social media, newsletters, web content, and public awareness campaigns.
• Serve as the primary media contact; coordinate responses, prepare spokespeople, and maintain relationships with key media representatives.
• Write, review, and produce press releases, newsroom posts, talking points, speeches, reports, social media content, and outreach materials.
• Translate complex sustainability topics (climate, energy, water, waste reduction, resilience) into clear, accessible, and compelling messaging.
• Provide strategic communications support for crisis communications and rapid-response messaging.
• Support program teams in developing communications plans, outreach strategies, and audience-specific materials aligned with branding standards.
• Lead tailored outreach and education efforts, particularly for historically underserved communities, in partnership with community-based organizations.
• Oversee communications and engagement for youth climate programs, expanding educational opportunities and increasing participation.
• Ensure brand consistency, accessibility, and quality across all public-facing materials (print, digital, web, social media).
• Use analytics and performance metrics to refine messaging, improve engagement, and evaluate outreach effectiveness.
• Modernize communications tools, workflows, and review processes to improve efficiency and support across teams.
• Strengthen internal communications, including leadership updates, collaboration tools, and staff wellness initiatives.
• Train Department staff on communications best practices, including media relations, storytelling, and public engagement.
• Supervise communications staff, manage consultants/vendors, and coordinate communications for public events and campaigns.
• Represent the Department at County, community, and partner meetings as assigned.
• Coordinate responses to public inquiries, complaints, and public records requests in compliance with County policies.
• Monitor trends in communications, media, digital technology, and accessibility standards to inform Department practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic communications, including branding, messaging, media relations, social media, and digital communications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop high-impact communications strategies for public awareness, behavior change, and community engagement.
• Strong political acumen and sound judgment in working with elected officials, executive leadership, and diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in translating complex sustainability topics into clear, compelling, and accessible messages for broad audiences.
• Experience in crisis communications, rapid-response messaging, and advising leadership on sensitive issues.
• Proven ability to build and maintain communications infrastructure, including branding standards, templates, and collaboration tools.
• Supervisory experience, with a track record of inspiring, coaching, and supporting staff.
• Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusive engagement, with experience working with diverse communities.
• Experience developing culturally responsive, plain-language, and accessible communications.
• Familiarity with internal communications, change management, and staff wellness initiatives.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with experience producing a wide range of materials (press releases, reports, social media, etc.).

Skills

• Strategic messaging and media relations
• Digital communications and social media
• Branding and marketing strategies
• Public engagement and community outreach
• Supervision and team leadership
• Project and program management
• Data-driven communications and performance metrics
• Crisis communications and rapid-response messaging
• Plain-language and accessible communications
• Collaboration and cross-program coordination