Director of Public Communication

Broward County, FL

$144K — $231K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations.
  • 10 years of experience in high-level journalism or communications roles, with a focus on strategic and supervisory functions.
  • Experience in crafting communication for executive leadership and elected officials.
  • Expertise in media relations, public information, and crisis communications.
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

  • Direct operations of the Office of Public Communications to enhance government transparency.
  • Manage enterprise-wide communications programs supporting agency initiatives.
  • Develop and implement strategic communications plans for diverse platforms.
  • Oversee marketing and communications activities across County agencies.
  • Identify fiscal and capital needs, directing activities for funding and implementation.

Benefits

  • Florida Retirement System with choices of traditional or investment plans.
  • Deferred compensation plan with County matching.
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
  • Variety of insurance coverage options including health, dental, and vision.
  • Accrual of vacation and sick leave, plus additional job basis leave.
  • Eleven holidays and two personal days each year.
  • $50,000 of group term life insurance provided.
Full Job Description
Salary : $144,904.22 - $231,266.72 Annually
Location : Government Center East - 115 South Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: OPC Dept Admin
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Veterans' Preference Notice: Under Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment with Broward County and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.
International Degree Verification: International degrees must be evaluated by an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org/members or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) https://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members. Candidates are responsible for all evaluation expenses. Completed evaluations do not guarantee employment and are subject to approval by Broward County Human Resources.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Director of Public Communications!

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; handles media relations for the County.


  • Manages the Advantage Marketing Program, leveraging public and private partnerships to expand educational outreach, reduce program costs, and develop new revenue streams.


  • Identifiesfiscalandcapitalimprovementneedsanddirectsactivitiestofundandimplement them.


  • Performs related work as assigned.


In summary, the functions listed represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
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;


  • Have a proven ability to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders while promoting an environment of high ethical standards and cross-cultural sensitivity;


  • 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;


  • Have 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 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.

Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is $144,904.22 to $231,266.72. The starting salary will be based upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. The State of Florida does not have a state income tax.
The County's benefits include:

  • 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. This position is eligible for Senior FRS status.


  • Deferred Compensation - The County offers a voluntary 457 plan offered through three providers: Mission Square, Brighthouse Financial, and Nationwide Retirement Solutions. County matches up to a Board approved amount per year.


  • Flexible Spending Accounts-Eligible 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.


  • Vacation and Sick Leave - Leave is accrued biweekly for vacation and sick time; annualized at two weeks of vacation and 12 days of sick time; additionally, 40 hours of job basis leave is granted annually for employees exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.


  • Holidays-Eleven (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.

For additional information on benefits, please visit: www.broward.org/benefits
How to Apply

Please apply immediately at:

For questions and inquiries, please contact:

Mary Bruwer:

KELLER HALDREN GROUP LLC

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/keller-executive-search/

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