Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Lead (Player-Coach)

Tampa Bay Water; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tampa Bay Water seeks a strategic, hands-on Communications & Public Affairs Manager to lead the Agency's communications program while staying actively involved in planning and executing high-impact initiatives. The role reports to the Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer and serves as the Public Information Officer, advising leadership on communications and crisis management.

As a working manager, you will develop messaging, manage media relations, and guide stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years in strategic communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Three+ years leading communications programs, including staff management.
• Experience as a spokesperson and managing media relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and public information functions.
• Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Serve as strategic advisor to executive leadership on communications matters.
• Oversee media relations and crisis communications.
• Coordinate digital content and accessibility across channels.
• Supervise staff, budgets, and contracts for communications services.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Writing & editing

Media relations

Crisis communications

Digital communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism or related field

Tools

CMS

Analytics tools

Job description

Tampa Bay Water seeks a strategic, hands-on Communications & Public Affairs Manager to lead the Agency's communications program while staying actively involved in planning and executing high-impact initiatives. The role reports to the Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer and serves as the Public Information Officer, advising leadership on communications and crisis management.

As a working manager, you will develop messaging, manage media relations, and guide stakeholder engagement.