Public Communications Director

Salary:

See Position Description
Location :

Clearwater, FL
Job Type:

Full-time
Job Number:

2026-00211
Department:

Public Communications
Division:

PC ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date:

05/28/2026
Closing Date:

Continuous

THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).
Position Description

TARGET ENTRY SALARY: $129,144 - $167,888 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS
Under the direction of the City Manager's office, the Public Communications Director is responsible for leading the Public Communications Department and maintaining a management framework that supports the City's strategic direction in sustainable manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

-- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Providing expectations, leadership, and guidance to all direct reports.
Maintaining a departmental strategic plan which is consistent with the strategic direction of the city.
Coordinating with other members of the Senior Executive Team to ensure that departmental operations and strategies are consistent with the City's strategic direction, charter, policies and procedures, and ordinances.
Coordinates with external stakeholders to support operations and long-term strategies.
Participation in long and short-term strategic planning both at the departmental and city levels.
Maintaining a culture of accountability within the department.
Ensures that reports, documents, and presentations before City Council and advisory boards are accurate and appropriate.
Management of a departmental administrative framework that is consistent with and supportive of city-wide administrative activities including but not limited to preparation of annual budget, personnel matters, and the keeping of public records.
Defines, evaluates, and communicates project milestones, service level agreements, and resource allocation to executive team, department leads, support staff, and end users.
Prioritizes and schedules work assignments for assigned staff; manages the recruitment, hiring, and termination of all department staff; provides performance evaluations, feedback, and possible discipline.
Must work the necessary schedule to meet the requirements of the position.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver's license is required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field and eight (8) years of professional-level communications management experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of -

Best practices in creating a healthy organizational culture
Principles and practices of public communications management to include professional journalism, marketing, advertising, print, graphic, electronic, television broadcast development, production, and editing
Administrative practices and general management principles
City organizations, operations, and resources
Principles and practices of public administration
Personnel management and supervisory techniques
Skill in -

Creating and maintaining an organizational culture
Engaging with the public and determining public perception
Formulating, proofreading, and editing news releases, scripts and information material
Personnel Management
Managing a large, multi-site organization with a varied set of programs and responsibilities
Establishing and maintaining good collaborative relationships
Effective internal and external communications
Policy and data analysis
Preparing and creating various presentations
Employee mentorship
Change management
Operating a computer and generalized software

Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance• Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -401(a) Money Purchase Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards?
01

What level of Driver's License do you currently possess?

CDL A
CDL B
Regular (E)
ID Only
Out of State
None of the above

02

What is your highest level of education?

Masters Degree or higher
Bachelors Degree
Associates Degree
High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Completion of 10th grade
Less than 10th grade education

03

How many years experience do you have in professional-level communications management?

No experience
Less than 1 year experience
1-3 years' experience
3-5 years' experience
5-7 years' experience
8+ years' experience

04

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

Yes
No

05

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?"

Yes
No

Required Question