Director of Public Communication

Keller Executive Search•Fort Lauderdale, FL

23h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with social media and website management preferred.

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.
Identifies fiscal and capital improvement needs and directs activities to fund and implement them.
Performs related work as assigned.

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.
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.