Director of Public Communication

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

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

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; 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/