DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS - 22010439

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

State Courts System in Sarasota, FL seeks a Director of Community Relations to lead strategic communications for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The role serves as the court's PIO, shaping messaging, media relations, and public outreach.

You will coordinate across departments, provide counsel to judges and staff, manage publications, digital content, events, and community partnerships, ensuring transparency and public trust.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, legal studies, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
• The applicant must have at least five years of related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the official spokesperson and primary media contact for the circuit, including emergency communications.
• Develops informational materials including newsletters and brochures, and prepares speeches and official correspondence.
• Oversees the court’s website and social media, developing digital content to inform the public about court operations.
• Plans and promotes civic education and outreach initiatives, including courthouse tours and public events.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, legal studies, public or business administration, or a closely related field

Job description

Requisition No: 881960

Agency: State Courts System

Working Title: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS - 22010439

Pay Plan: State Courts System

Position Number: 22010439

Salary: $91,058.04

Posting Closing Date: 11/17/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Title

Director of Community Relations

Job Location

12th Judicial Circuit, Sarasota, FL

Salary Range

$91,058.04 Annually

Job Description

The Director of Community Relations serves as the circuit’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of strategic communications, media relations, and public outreach initiatives for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. This position functions as the primary liaison between the judiciary and the public, providing communication counsel to court staff, managing public information dissemination, and ensuring transparency and consistency in messaging. The role requires independent judgment coordination across departments to support organizational priorities and maintain public trust.

Examples of Work Performed

• Serves as the official spokesperson and primary media contact for the circuit, including emergency communications. Maintains contact with the media by issuing press releases, statements, and advisories. Responds to media inquiries and public information requests in compliance with Florida Rules of Court and local Administrative Orders, including review and redaction of confidential information. Coordinates communications efforts across departments to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational policies. Maintains ongoing relationships with media, government entities, and community partners.
• Develops informational materials including newsletters and brochures. Writes, edits, and reviews publications, reports, speeches, web-based materials, and official correspondence for judges and court leadership. Ensures consistency, clarity, and adherence to court standards across all communication materials. Coordinates photography, videography, and archival documentation of court events and initiatives, including portraits and other similar events on behalf of judges and the court for historic recording.
• Oversees and maintains the court’s website and social media platforms to ensure accurate, accessible, and timely information. Develops and publishes digital content to inform and educate the public regarding court operations and services. Monitors digital communication trends and implements best practices to enhance public engagement. Coordinates with IT and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with accessibility and content.
• Plans, coordinates, and promotes civic education and outreach initiatives, including courthouse tours, community presentations, and public events. Represents the court at community, Bar Association, and professional meetings and events. Oversees volunteer-based programs including the circuit’s Pet Therapy Program and School Tour Program. Attends court events and programs for print and video coverage, including taking photographs, videotaping, reporting and interviewing of key participants. Develop partnerships with community organizations to enhance the public understanding of the judicial system.
• Develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the priorities of the circuit. Provides high-level communication counsel to judges and court personnel on sensitive, complex, or high-profile matters. Develops short and long range communication plans and evaluates the effectiveness of messaging initiatives.
• Performs clerical and administrative functions for court administration as needed, including answering the phones, assisting court visitors, litigants, attorneys, etc., dispensing internal information related to building facilities and security as needed in the absence of employees who normally perform these functions. Attends professional meetings, training, and conferences to maintain current knowledge of communication practices.

Education and Training Guidelines

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, legal studies, public or business administration, or a closely related field.

The applicant must have at least five years of related work experience.

Special Comments

Position available: December 1, 2026

Job Location: position may be based in either Sarasota or Manatee County; candidate’s preference will be considered in determining the primary work location.

If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.

If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate in your cover letter –you do not need to submit it again. Current 12th Circuit employees should only submit a detailed letter of interest – your application is already on file.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Level 2 criminal background check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-749-3600 ext. 1791.

Pursuant to section 110.205(2)(c), Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System. All employees of the State Courts System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.