Public Communications Specialist Position Available In Pinellas, Florida

Public Communications Specialist
Job Details 
Employer Tampa Bay Water Salary $60,289.17 – $96,166.76 Annually Location Clearwater, FL Job Type Full Time Job Number 2025-00195 Division Business Strategies Division Department Public Communications Opening Date 05/22/2025 Description
Benefits
Position Overview Tampa Bay Water is seeking an experienced and motivated Public Communications Specialist to support and enhance public perception and awareness of our services, projects and initiatives through effective outreach and communications. This role is responsible for managing public engagement campaigns, administering a grant program, and supporting internal and external communications across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, proactive team player, and highly organized professional with a passion for public service and environmental stewardship. This position reports to the Public Communications Manager and interacts with internal and external stakeholders on a wide variety of water utility related topics. Essential Functions Public Engagement & Outreach
Develop and execute public engagement campaigns that educate and inform the community about water-related programs and services.
Lead the agency’s participation in outreach events, workshops, and community presentations.
Grant Program Administration
Administer a community-focused grant program including application solicitation and review, grantee communication, reporting and compliance tracking.
Coordinate with grantees to align grant-funded activities with strategic priorities.
Media Relations & Monitoring
Monitor news and media coverage related to water issues, environmental policies, and the utility’s public profile.
Assist in developing media responses and compiling regular media reports for leadership.
Copywriting & Content Creation
Write and edit engaging content for social media, newsletters, news releases, website updates, fact sheets and internal communications.
Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications platforms.
Internal Communications
Leads internal communication initiatives, including staff updates, internal newsletters and organizational announcements.
Collaborate with departments to highlight and communicate employee achievements and internal programs.
Administrative Support
Provide administrative support for the Public Communications Department, including meeting coordination, budget tracking, recordkeeping, and vendor communication.
Assist with scheduling, budgeting, purchasing and other operational tasks. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a communications or public relations role.
Experience managing public outreach efforts and administering public programs or grants is strongly preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong copywriting and editing abilities tailored to diverse audiences.
High degree of initiative and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills; a team-oriented mindset with a commitment to collaboration.
Familiarity with digital and social media platforms and content management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with graphic design or web tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress) is a plus.

Supplemental Information Disaster Service Worker:

Employees of Tampa Bay Water are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the