Broward County is hiring: Head of Communications&PR in Fort Lauderdale

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Director of Public Communications! The Community Bordering Southeast Florida's Atlantic coastline, Broward County is the seventeenth most populous county in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. About two-thirds of Broward County is part of the undeveloped Everglades conservation area. Broward County boasts 23 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, and its beaches attract both the local population as well as tourists from around the world. Broward County's warm climate, demographic diversity, robust and expanding economy, top-rated schools, colleges and universities, cutting-edge healthcare, and an advanced transportation system afford its residents an exceptional quality of life. Broward County offers world-class dining, high-quality theater, cosmopolitan nightlife, and premium shopping venues, as well as an abundance of recreational activities such as golf, pickleball, soccer, deep-sea fishing, boating and vast opportunities for fun on the beach. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is in Broward County and is less than two miles from Port Everglades where many major cruise lines call their homeport. Among Broward County's abundant retail shopping options is Sawgrass Mills, the largest one-story value retail shopping mall in the United States. For the sports enthusiast, Broward County is home to the National Hockey League's 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers, while the National Basketball Association's Miami Heat, the Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, andthe National Football League's Miami Dolphins are just a short drive, quick bus or train ride away. The County Government The Broward County government was established under Charter in 1975 as a home-rule government. The County Administrator serves as the Chief Executive Officer and manages the Countys six major operating departments: Transportation, Aviation, Finance and Administrative Services, Human Services, Port Everglades, and Public Works and Environmental Services, which all together comprise over 70 lines of business. In addition to the Office of Public Communication, the County has seven functional offices: Convention & Visitors Bureau, Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Affairs, Management & Budget, Medical Examiners & Trauma Services, Mobility Advancement Program, and Regional Communications & Technology. The County has nearly 6700 employees and eight collective bargaining units. The budget reflects strategic investments in transit, the seaport and airport, and many other critical services to residents. The Office The Office of Public Communications serves as the central hub for all external and internal communications across Broward County Government. The office is responsible for promoting transparency in government and enhancing the County's public presence through strategic communications, media relations, marketing and community outreach. The Office oversees Public Information, the County's Call Center, and Print Shop operations, and plays a critical role in supporting enterprise-wide communications programs that keep residents informed and engaged. From crafting high-level messaging for County leadership and elected officials to directing large-scale change management communications, the Office of Public Communications ensures that Broward County's programs, services, and initiatives reach the diverse communities it serves. The Office also administers the enterprise-wide Advantage Marketing Program, which supports marketing strategies that generate new revenue, enhance services, offset program costs, and expand educational outreach through public and private sector partnerships. The Opportunity The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a visionary and strategic communications leader to serve as the next Director of Public Communication. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, this executive-level position directs all operations of the Office of Public Communications and serves as the County's chief spokesperson and communications strategist. An exceptional candidate will be drawn to this role because it offers the opportunity to shape and elevate public communication for one of South Florida's most vibrant counties. Broward County is proudly community-focused and employee-centered, providing a supportive environment where leaders can innovate, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. This role offers both strategic influence and the chance to serve a community that values transparency, engagement, and public trust. Duties and Responsibilities Directs operations of the Office of Public Communications, including Public Information, Call Center, and Print Shop; formulates strategies and directs implementation of activities to promote transparency in government and enhance the County's digital government presence. Directs large-scale, enterprise-wide communications programs related to change management in support of other agency initiatives; strategizes and directs implementation of initiatives to raise public awareness of government programs and services. Develops and directs implementation of the County's strategic communications plans; strategizes and writes high-level and sensitive communications for the County management team and elected officials for all platforms, television, print, social media, etc. Provides quality assurance of the marketing and communications activities of other County agencies; oversees the employee communications program; Manages the Advantage Marketing Program, leveraging public and private partnerships to expand educational outreach, reduce program costs, and develop new revenue streams. The Ideal Candidate Possess a strong strategic mindset with the ability to see ahead to future possibilities and translate them into breakthrough communications strategies; Have demonstrated experience directing enterprise-wide communications programs across complex, multi-stakeholder organizations; Have exceptional skills in crafting high-level, sensitive communications for executive leadership and elected officials; Possess deep expertise in media relations,public information,and crisis communications; Demonstrate resourcefulness in deploying resources effectively and finding creative approaches to accomplish goals within constrained environments; Possess strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff across multiple functional areas including public information, call center operations, and print services; Have experience with digital communications, social media strategy, and website management to support effective public engagement; Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills with a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences; Education, Experience, and Certifications Requires a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or closely related field. Requires 10 years in high-level journalism, communications, marketing, and public relations activities, including in strategic and supervisory aspects of these activities or closely related experience. Experience with social media and website management preferred. The State of Florida does not have a state income tax. Florida Retirement System (FRS) Employees have the choice of two retirement plans: the traditional pension plan with eight years of vesting or the investment plan with one year of vesting. Mission Square, Brighthouse Financial, and Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Flexible Spending AccountsEligible health expenses and dependent care accounts. Insurance Coverage The County offers a variety of benefit plans that employees can purchase including Health, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability, and Pre-paid Legal. The County subsidizes enrollment in Healthcare coverage and provides a waiver credit if applicable. Health Savings Accounts When you elect either of the High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and you and your enrolled spouse/domestic partner (if applicable) complete the County's Engagement Incentive, Broward County will contribute to your Health Savings Account. additionally, 40 hours of job basis leave is granted annually for employees exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. HolidaysEleven (11) holidays and two (2) personal days. Life Insurance The County offers $50,000 of group term life insurance. Employees can purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their dependents and spouse/domestic partner. Additional Benefits Access to Credit Union, Employee Development, and Personal Income Protection Plans are available. How to Apply Please apply immediately at: For questions and inquiries, please contact: com KELLER HALDREN GROUP LLC LinkedIn: style="margin: 0.05pt 0 0.0001pt 0.15in"> An Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer AL LRESUMES ARE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW. Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.County-wide Employee Responsibilities All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies. All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.