Media Relations-Program Manager I

Position Summary
The Strategic Communications Department seeks a Program Manager for Media Relations to lead high‑impact media initiatives, create compelling narratives, and advance the City of Fort Lauderdale’s voice across digital platforms, press channels, and community outreach.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of the strategic communications team focusing on media relations and public information.

Draft, edit, and coordinate press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, speeches, scripts, newsletters, and website updates to support City initiatives.

Act as point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely, accurate responses to local and regional outlets.

Identify, develop, and pitch story opportunities that highlight City accomplishments, community initiatives, and public‑safety efforts.

Coordinate media opportunities, press conferences, interviews, and public appearances involving City leadership and partners.

Develop clear, focused messaging that supports public understanding of City priorities.

Support planning and execution of public‑relations campaigns and outreach strategies.

Collaborate with various City departments to gather facts and craft messaging for internal and external audiences.

Prepare materials for executive leadership, elected officials, and departmental representatives.

Support crisis communication and emergency public‑information efforts during high‑impact events.

Monitor media coverage and public conversations to identify trends and opportunities.

Maintain relationships with media representatives and external stakeholders.

Coordinate with graphic design, video production, web, and digital staff to produce supporting campaign materials.

Assist in preparing ceremonial and official communications (proclamations, speeches, recognition materials).

Help maintain communications calendars tracking major City events.

Provide communications support for major City events, public meetings, press events, and community engagements, including evenings, weekends, or emergencies.

Supervise personnel, interns, vendors, or project teams as assigned, and support training and performance management.

Perform related work as required.

Qualifications
Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a closely related field.

At least four (4) years of experience in directing, shooting, editing, producing, and optimizing video for television, internet, and social media.

Excellent copy‑writing and verbal communication skills.

Ability to be on‑call and work nights, holidays, and weekends as needed.

Strong time‑management skills and ability to handle multiple unrelated projects simultaneously.

Veteran’s Preference: DD‑214 Member 4 form required if claiming preference.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience driving traffic to video content using search‑engine and social‑media tools.

Physical Requirements
The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally, up to 10 lbs frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.

EEO Statement
The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative‑action, inclusive employer and a drug‑free workplace. The City does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans’ preference is granted per Florida law.

Benefits
The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full‑time employees, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and short‑term disability insurance.

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