Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Manager

Tampa Bay Water•Clearwater, FL

About The Position

Tampa Bay Water is seeking a strategic, hands-on communications leader to lead the Agency’s communications program while remaining actively involved in planning and executing high-impact communications initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer, the Manager is the Agency’s lead communications professional and a trusted advisor on communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and crisis communications. The Manager develops and implements strategic communications plans, serves as the Agency’s primary Public Information Officer, advises executive leadership, and oversees public engagement initiatives that support project implementation and strengthen public understanding and trust in Tampa Bay Water’s mission. This working-manager role provides leadership and supervision to communications and audiovisual staff while directly developing communications strategies, crafting key messages, writing and editing content, managing media relationships, supporting executive communications, and advancing Agency visibility through traditional and digital channels. The Manager leads communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and public information functions; oversees digital communications and audiovisual, multimedia, and Board meeting production; and manages staff, budgets, contracts, consultants, vendors, and service providers. The position also participates in cross-functional strategic initiatives and supports workplace safety policies and procedures. Tampa Bay Water employees are Disaster Service Workers under State and Federal law. In a declared emergency, employees may be assigned duties supporting the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of life and property. Applicants should plan to submit three writing samples in addition to a resume and cover letter. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, public relations, stakeholder engagement, marketing communications, journalism, or a related field.
At least three years leading communications programs, projects, staff, consultants, or cross-functional teams, including at least two years of direct staff management experience.
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and campaigns.
Experience serving as a spokesperson, managing media relations, and supporting crisis or emergency communications.
Experience managing digital communications platforms, websites, social media channels, and content strategies.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, Strategic Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field; equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience may be considered.
Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
Strong strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent writing, editing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
Strong media relations and issues management capabilities.
Ability to translate technical information into clear, engaging public-facing communications.
Strong project management, planning, organizational, and budgeting skills.
Ability to build relationships and influence outcomes across all levels of an organization.
Familiarity with website content management systems, digital communication platforms, communications analytics, and web accessibility best practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams while remaining actively engaged in communications execution.
Ability to meet the stated physical standards, including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, pushing items weighing up to 25 pounds, standing for up to 60 minutes at a time, and walking up to one mile without a break in varying weather conditions.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, regulatory agencies, or public-sector stakeholders.
Experience in utilities, government, infrastructure, environmental services, or public-sector organizations.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
Three writing samples, preferably a press release, blog/article, key messages, and/or social media posts, are requested as application materials.

Responsibilities

Lead the Agency’s communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and public information functions.
Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with the Agency’s Strategic Plan and organizational priorities.
Advise executive leadership on communications strategy and matters.
Establish departmental goals, work plans, budgets, performance measures, and reporting metrics; evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Develop, write, edit, and review communications materials, including media releases, speeches, executive talking points, presentations, newsletters, website content, articles, reports, public information materials, and stakeholder communications.
Develop messaging and communications strategies for Agency initiatives, projects, programs, and issues.
Lead media relations, respond to inquiries, proactively generate positive coverage, and serve as the Agency’s Public Information Officer.
Coordinate emergency and crisis communications and prepare executives, technical staff, and subject matter experts for interviews, presentations, public meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
Maintain consistent messaging across communication channels and audiences.
Lead stakeholder outreach and public engagement supporting Agency projects, programs, initiatives, and policy objectives.
Build relationships with member governments, community organizations, partner agencies, media representatives, and other stakeholders in coordination with the Government Affairs Program Manager.
Plan and implement public meetings, community events, educational programs, facility tours, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Support executive communications related to public affairs, regional partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
Lead strategy, planning, and performance measurement for websites, social media, email, intranet, multimedia, and other digital channels.
Oversee digital content strategies and ensure digital communications meet accessibility requirements, brand standards, and industry best practices.
Monitor communications analytics and recommend content and channel improvements.
Oversee audiovisual, multimedia, and Board meeting production functions, including staff, vendors, and technology; support meetings, presentations, events, livestreams, recordings, and digital communications while maintaining accessibility and public access compliance.
Supervise Public Communications and Audio-Visual staff, interns, consultants, and contracted service providers; set expectations, coach, and support professional development.
Develop and manage departmental budgets and resource plans, track expenditures, and procure and manage communications-related contracts.
Evaluate service delivery models and recommend operational improvements.
Participate in cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives; collaborate across the Agency to identify communications opportunities, manage issues, and build stakeholder trust.
Stay current on communications, public affairs, digital media, and public engagement trends and best practices.
Support, promote, and enforce workplace safety policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned and, in a declared emergency, perform duties supporting public health, safety, life, or property.