Amanda Durbin
Hayward
Summary
Experienced Public Information and Communications professional with ten years of public-sector and communications experience, supported by an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Proven leader in media relations, community outreach, and crisis communications, with a strong record of delivering timely, accurate information during high-visibility situations. Brings a strategic, resident-focused approach to public communication that strengthens transparency, trust, and collaboration between government, media, and the community.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Officer
City of Mountain House
Mountain House
08.2024 - Current
- Leads all citywide public information, media relations, community outreach, and communications efforts for a newly incorporated city serving approximately 28,000 residents.
- Acts as the City’s primary media contact, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews and briefings, and delivering clear, accurate information under tight deadlines.
- Shapes and executes strategic communications that support City Council and City Manager priorities, major policy decisions, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives.
- Oversees City branding and messaging across all platforms, ensuring a consistent, professional voice in print, digital, social media, and public-facing materials.
- Writes and produces high-impact communications including press releases, newsletters, fact sheets, speeches, reports, website content, and resident correspondence using plain language best practices.
- Led the launch of the City’s new website, improving accessibility, navigation, and transparency while creating a centralized hub for City news, services, and public information.
- Manages the City’s website, newsletters, and social media platforms, strengthening resident engagement and increasing reach during key announcements and events.
- Plans and supports community meetings, public forums, and City events, translating complex topics into clear, easy-to-understand information for residents.
- Coordinates emergency and time-sensitive communications, working closely with City leadership and departments to deliver timely and trusted updates.
- Partners with department directors and staff to identify communication needs, streamline messaging, and proactively educate the public.
- Provides guidance and hands-on support to staff on messaging, writing, digital content, and public communication standards.
- Assists with communications budgeting, vendor coordination, and platform management to support efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Webmaster/Marketing Specialist
Metropolitan Education District
San Jose
10.2020 - 08.2024
- Craft strategies merging strategic thinking, digital literacy, media relations savvy, and research to enhance our educational outreach and digital presence through web design and communication with public administration.
- Steered group training and led panel discussions for an award-winning website, renowned statewide in California for exemplary educational communication and public engagement.
- Strengthened community relations through comprehensive marketing programs and desktop publishing.
- Managed high-pressure deliverables with strategic poise; instrumental in executive management communications and stakeholder relations during organizational transitions.
- Leveraged database applications and office procedures to maintain seamless management-level coordination.
- Delivered comprehensive contract services with excellent communication, including program development, media, and training programs.
- Innovated communication strategies via press releases, social media, and email marketing to enhance visibility, implementing journalism techniques for storytelling.
- Directed cross-functional teams, merging insights and acumen to surpass digital project goals with robust project management.
- Oversaw office equipment management and effective desktop publishing to drive the district's digital footprint.
- Directed the production of internal and external newsletters that enhanced staff involvement and efficiency, earning a state-wide educational award.
- Fostered stronger community relations while refining office procedures for improved workflow.
- Established a robust communication system that efficiently provides information to internal and external stakeholders.
Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga
11.2017 - 09.2020
- Led innovative marketing and fan engagement initiatives at Saint Mary's College, achieving record ticket sales through creative direction and strategic planning.
- Orchestrated dynamic public/media relations campaigns, significantly boosting community engagement and event turnout.
- Achieved a school record of 3,000 fan attendance at the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament, markedly increasing ticket revenue.
- Demonstrated exceptional commitment, fostering stakeholder collaboration for seamless event execution.
- Effectively utilized ability to develop recommendations for strategic communication plans which resulted in increased brand visibility and engagement.
- Analyzed budgets to optimizing marketing efforts and ensuring brand consistency across teams.
- Partnered with ESPN for live game broadcasts, leveraging diplomacy and strategic insight to fuel a 15% rise in alumni engagement.
Marketing & Fan Engagement Specialist
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Boosted fan engagement and group sales at California State University, Stanislaus, using innovative multimedia strategies to strengthen Warrior brand and community relations.
- Pioneered the "Warriors Take A Stand" media initiative, bolstering campus unity against sexual assault.
- Engineered a 200% surge in student attendance, amplifying excitement and revenue for home events.
- Cultivated a squad of 10, infusing marketing savvy and fostering leadership in promotions and event management.
- Conceived and orchestrated unique promotions, leveraging LED advertising and social platforms for brand elevation.
- Interfaced with executive management for fundraising synergies, enriching public relations through event excellence.
- Analyzed data and budgetary trends to develop plans and recommendations, optimizing resource allocation.
- Drafted impactful press releases and statistical reports, narrating the Warrior story with analytical precision.
- Administered sponsorship contracts, ensuring seamless execution of campus-wide athletic and special events.
Marketing and Sponsorship Assistant
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock
09.2012 - 05.2014
Housing & Student Life, Peer Mentor
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock
08.2011 - 05.2012
Education
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
California State University, Stanislaus
12.2020
Bachelor of Communication Studies - Public Relations
California State University, Stanislaus
05.2014
Skills
- Perform Well Under Pressure
- Written Communication
- Research
- Establish and Maintain Effective Working Relationships
- Strategic Thinking and Planning
- Exceptional Communication and Storytelling
- Media Relations Savvy
- Word Processing
- Journalism
- Management Level
- Local Laws
- Communicate Effectively
- Public outreach
- Media relations
- Strategic communication
- Digital content management
- Crisis communication
- Community engagement
- Press release writing
- Event coordination
- Brand consistency
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Audience analysis
- Problem solving
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Speech writing
- Brand messaging
- Photography
- Corporate communications
- Web content management
- Crisis management
- Emergency response procedures
- Attention to detail
Volunteer Experience
- Serve as a board member and co-director of the organization’s scholarship competition, applying public administration and communications experience to support program planning, budget review, data-informed decision making, and community engagement that expands educational opportunities for local youth.
- Program Speaker Coordinator, Kiwanis of Greater Turlock, 01/01/13, 12/01/17, As a regular member of this community philanthropic organization, I am responsible for booking and arranging guest speakers to present at our weekly club meetings.
Awards
- Merit Award in MetroED Website Redesign, CalSPRA, 03/01/21, California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) is proud to support the many professionals that work hard to share our success stories and build support and understanding for our schools.
- Excellence Award in Internal Newsletter, CalSPRA, 03/01/24, California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) is proud to support the many professionals that work hard to share our success stories and build support and understanding for our schools.
Timeline
Communications Officer
City of Mountain House
08.2024 - Current
Webmaster/Marketing Specialist
Metropolitan Education District
10.2020 - 08.2024
Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement
Saint Mary's College of California
11.2017 - 09.2020
Marketing & Fan Engagement Specialist
California State University, Stanislaus
05.2014 - 11.2017
Marketing and Sponsorship Assistant
California State University, Stanislaus
09.2012 - 05.2014
Housing & Student Life, Peer Mentor
California State University, Stanislaus
08.2011 - 05.2012
Master of Business Administration - Business Administration
California State University, Stanislaus
Bachelor of Communication Studies - Public Relations
California State University, Stanislaus