Hot Job of the Day

Hillsborough County is hiring a Strategic Communications Manager

Summary

The Strategic Communications Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of communications in the form of both public relations and media outreach initiatives to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission. This role requires a dynamic, outgoing individual with strong interpersonal skills, the ability to represent the HCPC in public and media forums, and a proven track record in driving earned media and building relationships across departments and government agencies. The manager will lead the Commission’s communications team (current two employees) to ensure cohesive and effective communication strategies across various platforms for the organization. The manager will also focus on community relationship building, ensuring the commission’s message reaches underserved communities and maintaining a strong presence in media and public forums. This position is Unclassified. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic PR plans and media outreach strategies to promote the Commission’s projects, events, and initiatives, including a focus on building relationships with local businesses and community organizations.
• Plan and execute PR campaigns that align with the Commission’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Manage media relations, including writing and distributing press releases, pitching stories to media, and coordinating interviews with key personnel.
• Serve as one of the major faces of the organization, representing the Commission at public events, meetings, and media engagements.

Communications and Public Relations

• Create and manage public engagement surveys to gather community input and measure the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Analyze survey data and develop actionable insights to inform communication strategies.
• Drive earned media coverage and build strong relationships with media contacts, including local Spanish-language media outlets.
• Provide media training assistance to the rest of the Planning Commission staff on an as-needed basis.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, using KPIs and industry best practices.

Event Management

• Organize and drive attendance for major events such as awards programs and community conversations.
• Identify and secure sponsors for events.
• Develop new events and initiatives to engage the community.

Interdepartmental Relations

• Manage, coordinate, and build relationships across departments and government agencies to ensure cohesive communication efforts and alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Collaborate with community relations coordinators to ensure a unified approach to community engagement and outreach activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or related fields; or a Master’s degree with 5 years of experience.
• Experience in government or public-private-partnership sectors is preferred.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Experience in strategic communications planning and execution of PR campaigns.
• Excellent media relations skills and a network of media contacts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Emphasis on interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality.
• Spanish language skills strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Comprehensive knowledge in public engagement PR/media strategy.
• Strategic communications planning and media relations.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Event planning and community engagement.
• Operational PR tasks and project management.
• High level of accountability and commitment to quality work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and outgoing personality.
• Proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred  

Plan Hillsborough embraces and celebrates the diversity of the communities we serve while also seeking the same of our employees. At Plan Hillsborough, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation may contact Plan Hillsborough Human Resources at 813.565.9386.

Previous Hot Jobs

See All Jobs