City of Tampa

This is highly responsible professional and managerial work involving public relations, media relations, communication strategy, community relations, marketing, promotional activities, special projects, social media and event coordination in support of the mission of the Mayor’s Office and the City of Tampa. As outlined in the City Charter, the incumbent must reside within the City of Tampa or be willing to relocate.

The Communications Director is an integral part of the senior leadership team. The employee’s leadership and vision are key components to ensuring an engaged and informed community through strategic, consistent and frequent communication. Under administrative direction, the employee in this class is responsible for performing work of considerable difficulty in strategizing all public relations, media relations and community relations efforts of the City of Tampa. The employee: works as senior staff and policy advisor to the Mayor and other city department directors as needed; guides the Mayor and the Chief of Staff in the development of long range communication goals and objectives as well as the development of communication policies and procedures; and, serves as chief liaison to all local and national media outlets. The position requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment as well as the ability to develop effective, positive relationships with area organizations in both the public and private sectors throughout the Tampa Bay region. Additionally, the position requires a complete and thorough understanding of public relations’ ethics, principles and practices. It requires proven experience in successful public relations efforts as well as the ability to translate those specialized communication skills into the highest quality work, reflective of the high standards of the Mayor. Work is reviewed by conferences and results obtained. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Plan, develops, organizes, supervises and reviews the work of managerial, professional and technical staff engaged in engaged in marketing and communications programs for the City on a local, state, and national Level.

Knowledge of: public relations, communications, and public information techniques; effective public relations and public information dissemination principles and tactics; area media outlets; the city organizational structure and the strategic initiatives; and management principles; businesses, community organizations, other local governments and their efforts; graphic arts, photography, printing, and publications procedures. 

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred; preferred majors include communications, public relations, public administration, political science or a related field; a minimum of five (5) years of experience in public relations, policy development, senior public administration, public affairs, or a related field.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.