Strategic Communications Specialist

Job Description:

Strategic Communications Specialist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Strategic Communications Specialist to help shape and elevate the city’s public voice. This full-time role is ideal for a communications professional who excels in both written and verbal expression and has a sharp eye for detail when it comes to proofreading and editing.

As part of the Strategic Communications team, you’ll play a key role in crafting clear, compelling, and consistent messaging across platforms, from press releases and public notices to digital content and internal communications. You’ll collaborate with city departments, elected officials, and community partners to ensure that every word reflects the city’s values, vision, and vibrant identity.
This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Develops and implements public information campaigns and special projects for City programs, services, and events
• Develops creative concepts to brand and market programs, services, and events by collaborating with a graphic designer
• May serve as a City spokesperson.
• Researches, writes and edits news stories, press releases, reports, collateral materials and other informational materials as needed to support various public information campaigns and special projects
• Distributes print, electronic and digital marketing communication materials to support campaigns for City programs, services, events, and special projects
• Uses technical software and various platforms to maintain and/or disseminate information on City programs, services, and events via the City website, intranet, social media, and other tools as needed
• Coordinates media relations and responds to media inquiries on a wide variety of issues
• Researches and analyzes information to develop communication materials, such as; speeches, media responses and talking points for elected officials and City management
• Develops, creates and produces photos and videos for the City's communications tools
• Develops and coordinates logistics for and attends events related to City programs and initiatives, such as ribbon-cuttings, ground breakings, holiday events, trainings, etc. as needed
• Prepares and disseminates information to the public from the Emergency Operations Center or other location in the event of an emergency
• May serve as a liaison for advisory boards and committees
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or closely related field.Must have at least one (1) year of communications or public relations experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.On-call availability to work nights, weekends and holidays.Proficiency in writing, editing and verbal communication.If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) to the online application.
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for extended periods of time. The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, walk, push, pull, grasp, stand and access heights or areas where limited space is available.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.
The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) . to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment informationincluding our benefits package.

Click here for additional Federation of Public Employees managementbenefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!
Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 10/28/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$69,302.27 - $107,424.51 Annually