Senior Director, Communication and Public Relations

Broward College

1d•$85,500 - $105,500•Onsite

About The Position

Broward College is seeking a Senior Director of Communications & Public Relations to serve as a core strategic communications leader during the College’s institutional transformation. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communication and Marketing, this role leads earned news media relations, College website news, executive positioning, crisis communications, and institutional narrative initiatives. The Senior Director develops media strategies for local, state, and national journalists and press outlets, serves as a primary Public Information Officer, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to communicate the College’s impact, achievements, and thought leadership. The position leads integrated public relations and external communications strategies to strengthen Broward College’s reputation and communicate its value across South Florida and nationally. It cultivates relationships across the College and with community partners; crafts executive communications; manages the Subject Matter Expert program; pitches and coordinates news coverage; and leads external press communications during incidents and high-stakes situations. The role also manages communications staff, workflows, media tracking analytics, vendor contracts, and operating budgets. The position is full-time and regular, based at the Willis Holcombe Center. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends and varying hours as needed, for 37.5 hours per week. The salary range is $85,500–$105,500, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive, high-level experience in public relations, news media relations, or institutional communications.
Proven background in managerial leadership.
Direct experience in higher education communications, or an extensive journalism/news media background specifically covering higher education, public policy, or academic sectors.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to relationship-building across complex institutional organizations.
Ability to think holistically across integrated marketing and communications channels, distinguishing earned media, owned content, and paid media investments.
Strong writing, editing, story-mining, and speechwriting skills for diverse internal and external audiences.
Working knowledge of higher education operational models, academic governance, and the Florida education system.
Ability to manage crisis situations calmly under pressure, using sound judgment, speed, and discretion.
Demonstrated supervisory expertise, including the ability to motivate, develop, and hold team members accountable.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Established relationships with South Florida, regional, and state education journalists, news editors, press outlets, and community leaders.
Familiarity with or direct experience navigating the Florida College System, state higher education governance, public records practices, and Florida educational policy.

Responsibilities

Cultivate relationships with executive leadership, Deans, faculty, Student Affairs, Admissions/Enrollment, Advancement, external community partners, and other institutional stakeholders.
Identify stories across campus and collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to maximize content value and select appropriate earned, owned, and paid channels.
Design and execute integrated public relations and external communications strategies that elevate the College’s brand reputation and communicate its value proposition.
Craft executive communications for the Office of the President and senior administration, including speeches, op-eds, policy briefs, talking points, and legislative communications.
Manage the College’s Subject Matter Expert program to position faculty and leadership in earned news media.
Serve as a primary Public Information Officer and key member of the rapid-response crisis team.
Maintain the Crisis Communications Plan, participate in BC ALERT exercises, and lead timely external press communications during incidents or high-stakes cycles.
Pitch stories to local, state, and national print, broadcast, and digital news outlets, highlighting workforce initiatives, academic achievements, student success, and institutional milestones.
Respond to press inquiries and facilitate journalist interviews.
Directly manage, mentor, and develop communications professionals and direct reports.
Oversee departmental project workflows, news media tracking analytics, public relations vendor contracts, and communications operational budgets.