Director of Public Communications
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a visionary and strategic communications leader to serve as the next Director of Public Communications. 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.
The Office of Public Communications serves as the central hub for all external and internal communications across Broward County Government. The office promotes transparency in government, enhances the County's public presence through strategic communications, media relations, marketing, and community outreach, and supports enterprise-wide communications programs, including campaign management and public informational services.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct operations of the Office of Public Communications, including Public Information, Call Center, and Print Shop; formulate strategies and direct implementation of activities to promote transparency in government and enhance the County's digital government presence.
- Direct large‑scale, enterprise‑wide communications programs related to change management in support of other agency initiatives; strategize and implement initiatives to raise public awareness of government programs and services.
- Develop and implement the County's strategic communications plans; strategize and write high‑level and sensitive communications for the County management team and elected officials across all platforms—including television, print, social media, and digital channels.
- Provide quality assurance of the marketing and communications activities of other County agencies; oversee the employee communications program and handle media relations for the County.
- Manage the Advantage Marketing Program, leveraging public and private partnerships to expand educational outreach, reduce program costs, and develop new revenue streams.
- Identify fiscal and capital improvement needs and direct activities to fund and implement them.
- Perform related work as assigned.
The Ideal Candidate
- Possesses a strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate future possibilities into breakthrough communications strategies.
- Has demonstrated experience directing enterprise‑wide communications programs across complex, multi‑stakeholder organizations.
- Has exceptional skills in crafting high‑level, sensitive communications for executive leadership and elected officials.
- Possesses deep expertise in media relations, public information, and crisis communications.
- Has a proven ability to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders while promoting an environment of high ethical standards and cross‑cultural sensitivity.
- Demonstrates resourcefulness in deploying resources effectively and finding creative approaches to accomplish goals within constrained environments.
- Possesses strong leadership and team‑building skills, inspiring and motivating staff across multiple functional areas.
- Has experience with digital communications, social media strategy, and website management to support effective public engagement.
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills with a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Has the ability to develop, implement, and manage strategic, fiscal, and capital improvement plans.
Education, Experience, and Certifications
- Requires a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a closely related field.
- Requires 10 years of high‑level experience in journalism, communications, marketing, and public relations, including strategic and supervisory aspects.
- Preferred experience with social media and website management.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is $144,904.22 to $231,266.72. The starting salary will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected individual. The State of Florida does not have a state income tax.
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Employees may choose between the traditional pension plan with eight years of vesting or the investment plan with one year of vesting. This position is eligible for Senior FRS status.
- Deferred Compensation – County offers a voluntary 457 plan with matching formulas offered through Mission Square, Brighthouse Financial, and Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Eligible for health expenses and dependent care accounts.
- Insurance Coverage – County subsidizes enrollment in Health, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability, and Pre‑paid Legal plans.
- Health Savings Accounts – County contributes to Health Savings Accounts for those who elect High‑Deductible Health Plans and meet engagement incentives.
- Vacation and Sick Leave – Accrued biweekly; annualized at two weeks of vacation and 12 days of sick time; 40 hours of job‑basis leave annually for exempt employees.
- Holidays – Eleven holidays and two personal days.
- Life Insurance – $50,000 group term life insurance; supplemental policies available.
- Additional Benefits – Access to Credit Union, Employee Development, and Personal Income Protection Plans.
An Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer. All Resumes Are Subject to Disclosure in Accordance with the Florida Sunshine Law.
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