The Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer is responsible for connecting people to the District’s important restoration, flood protection, and water supply work. Additionally, the Chief serves as the chief advisor to the Executive Director and Governing Board on all public engagement, stakeholder management, Public Policy, legislative, and communication issues. The position works closely with all Division Directors to further the District’s mission, with a particular focus on public and stakeholder engagement as it relates to their areas of responsibilities.
An essential component of the role is to successfully lead in a complex matrix environment with multiple stakeholders. This public-facing position demands flexibility and the capacity to deal with fast-changing situations, as well as having the skills to work with a diverse team. The person in this role must be able to strategically project manage and improve agency relationships while having the personal capability to lead any given initiative.
Specific job functions include:
Education/Experience Guide
Bachelor’s Degree in Public or Business Administration, Communications, or related field and 3+ years’ experience with media and stakeholder relations work. 3+ years’ of experience in a mid-to-large organization developing/implementing a communication strategy, to include experience with planning/managing/executing successful campaigns and Public events. Also 3+ years experience with government affairs, including legislative experience and working with elected officials at all levels of government.
Licenses:
Valid State of Florida Driver's license.
Veterans' Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
An essential component of the role is to successfully lead in a complex matrix environment with multiple stakeholders. This public-facing position demands flexibility and the capacity to deal with fast-changing situations, as well as having the skills to work with a diverse team. The person in this role must be able to strategically project manage and improve agency relationships while having the personal capability to lead any given initiative.
Specific job functions include:
- Lead the Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) teams, including the Office of the Open Government and Media Relations, Office of the District Clerk, Communications, and External Affairs (Community/Government Relations).
- Direct the District's communications strategies, engagement strategies for stakeholders and elected officials, and crisis communications (preparedness/response).
- Support the development and engagement of media staff with key media, including managing an aggressive media strategy to support District initiatives. Conduct comprehensive reviews of media relations strategies and initiatives and provide diagnostic reports for executive management.
- Manage, track, and improve communications with key media and audiences.
- Provide ongoing analysis of media coverage, social media, and stakeholder messages to the Executive Director with recommendations to further District priorities.
- Support the management of social media channels and manage an editorial calendar that delivers fresh, useful, and compelling content aligned with District programs and initiatives.
- Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson to media for high-profile issues.
- Support the administrative functions of the District Clerk and Governing Board, including executive-level oversight of matters going before the Governing Board.
- Engage various stakeholders and work to respond to issues with District management and program staff.
- Manage relationships with key elected officials and their staff at the federal, state, and local level. Collaborate closely with the External Affairs team to ensure information is shared on issues within their communities.
- Track and coordinate engagement on State and Federal Legislative Actions including policy bills and appropriations.
- Manage relationships with the leadership at key agencies at the federal, state, and local level to advance District priorities.
- Monitor and ensure follow-through on inquiries from constituents sent to the District, Elected Officials, and other government agencies.
- Serve as an executive leader during emergency response, including staying overnight at District HQs before, during and after emergency events.
- Travel around the District, to Tallahassee, and to Washington DC as needed.
Education/Experience Guide
Bachelor’s Degree in Public or Business Administration, Communications, or related field and 3+ years’ experience with media and stakeholder relations work. 3+ years’ of experience in a mid-to-large organization developing/implementing a communication strategy, to include experience with planning/managing/executing successful campaigns and Public events. Also 3+ years experience with government affairs, including legislative experience and working with elected officials at all levels of government.
Licenses:
Valid State of Florida Driver's license.
Veterans' Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Salary Minimum
$108,388.80
Salary Midpoint:
$133,640.00
Organization
EO1501510 - Office of Comm & Public Engagement
Salary Maximum
$175,011.20