City of Tampa

This is responsible supervisory work involving the planning, development, and execution of advanced strategic communications and public outreach initiatives for large-scale infrastructure projects citywide.

The employee in this classification serves as the lead communications strategist and public engagement coordinator for capital improvements delivered by the City of Tampa’s Mobility and Stormwater Services Department and Contract Administration Division, in addition to oversight of Mobility and Stormwater Communications.

Under general direction, work requires extensive coordination with project managers, consultants, contractors, external stakeholders, and the public. The position also assumes direct responsibility for overseeing consultant performance, ensuring equity in outreach, and maintaining compliance with ADA and LEP standards. Considerable independent judgment and a proactive approach are essential in shaping public perception, minimizing disruption during construction, and ensuring transparency across multimillion-dollar projects that impact neighborhoods, business corridors, and critical infrastructure.

This role functions at a strategic level and requires expert knowledge of both communications and infrastructure lifecycles. The position is reviewed through conferences, deliverables, and achievement of engagement benchmarks.

Oversee the design and implementation of public engagement strategies for major capital projects such as multimodal corridor transformations, stormwater drainage upgrades, and roadway safety improvements.

Lead complex, multiphase communications plans aligned with construction schedules, including pre-construction engagement, in-progress updates, and post-completion messaging.

Assist with contract management for communications consultants, writing scopes of work, approving deliverables, and ensuring alignment with city goals.

Works with and provides supervision to the Mobility and Stormwater Communications Coordinator to develop public information materials that are timely, accessible, and legally compliant, in addition to public awareness of Mobility/Stormwater efforts and successes through traditional and digital media.

Coordinate across internal departments to align messaging and streamline communications-related to infrastructure projects.

Respond to public concerns and media inquiries with accuracy and empathy, particularly during times of disruption due to construction or emergency events.

Supervise staff and/or consultants responsible for executing engagement tactics such as stakeholder meetings, community canvassing, digital outreach, signage, and press.

Guide branding and promotion of infrastructure efforts to build public understanding and support for long-term initiatives related to Vision Zero, flood resilience, mobility equity, etc.

Build and maintain relationships with neighborhood leaders, advocacy groups, businesses, and elected officials to support project buy-in and two-way communication.

Support crisis communications before, during, and after storms or emergency events affecting infrastructure, including water, roadways, and drainage.

Track council inquiries, monitors public sentiment, and provides data-driven reports on engagement outcomes and public feedback.

Performs related work or other duties as required.

Knowledge of: infrastructure project lifecycles and terminology; equity-focused engagement practices; vendor and contract management; community-based media and engagement tools; city procurement and compliance processes; legal requirements related to public communications.

Ability to: lead complex public outreach programs from concept through execution; supervise contractors and internal staff; write technical scopes of work; analyze communications impact; present effectively to diverse audiences; make decisions under pressure; balance political awareness with public service.

Skills in: strategic planning; community relations; writing for technical and public audiences; translating engineering terms into accessible messaging; stakeholder coordination; media response; proactive communications; digital communications; public presentations; project branding and visual storytelling.

Primarily office-based with regular attendance at public meetings, field visits to construction zones, press conferences, and occasional evening or weekend events. Requires extended computer use and ability to move and transport outreach materials as needed.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration, or a related field and at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, including infrastructure, capital projects, construction, or public engagement work and one (1) year of supervisory experience (preferred).

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.