Deputy Communications Director-SES - 64083965

Requisition No: 857336 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: Deputy Communications Director-SES - 64083965

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 64083965 

Salary:  $75,000 - $85,000 

Posting Closing Date: 08/01/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Deputy Communications Director  – SES 

Working Title: Deputy Communications Director

Overview

The Florida Department of Health strives to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. The Department is seeking a highly responsible professional to serve as Deputy Communications Director to assist and support the Communications Director in planning, managing, and implementing internal and external strategic communication efforts to support the Department's mission, vision and values.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Communications Director, assists in developing, managing, and implementing a comprehensive statewide communication strategy.
• Oversees aspects of the Department’s communication, external affairs, and public relations efforts.
• Assists with day-to-day operations and activities for the Office of Communications, including tracking assignments and providing direct and indirect supervision of communications staff responsible for designing and producing communications for events, community engagement, outreach, project information, education, internal communications, and digital media.
• Oversees staff within the office including monitoring work priorities and assignments, maintaining work schedules, motivating employees, and serving in the stead of the Director.
• Collaborates on external affairs efforts, including press conferences and media events on a local and state level, as well as preparing talking points, speeches, scripts, and other related resources.
• Assists with developing, editing, and reviewing proactive and reactive messaging for the Department, including reports, presentations, briefs, press releases, media inquiries, advisories, talking points, statements, and resource materials.
• Develops policies, procedures, and strategies for communicating internally and externally.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Travels for events as needed.
• Performs emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days as needed.

• Oversees content and performance of the Department's social media channels and website.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices, principles, and techniques in public relations, public information, mass communication, external affairs, marketing, and emergency communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects, as well as to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with staff.
• Ability to use independent judgment in handling internal and external inquiries.
• Ability to maintain composure and meet deadlines in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and other commonly used programs.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices to maximize use.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and strategies.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations and four years of verifiable related experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field.
• Valid Driver’s License

Our Organization And Mission
The Florida Department of Health’s mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. The vision of the Department is for Florida to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. DOH operates under the values of:

Innovation | We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

Collaboration | We use teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems.
Accountability | We perform with integrity and respect.
Responsiveness | We achieve our mission by serving our customers and engaging our partners.
Excellence | We promote quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work
This position is in Tallahassee, FL at the Capital Circle Office Complex. Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

Benefits Of Working For The State Of Florida
The State of Florida’s comprehensive compensation package for Senior Exempt Service (SES) employees features competitive benefits including:

• State of Florida retirement plans that include employer contributions (see MyFRS.com)
• Deferred compensation plans
• Low premium health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• Dental, vision, and supplemental coverage options
• No-cost basic life insurance policy plus additional options for the employee, spouse, and children
• Paid personal time including annual leave, sick leave, several paid holidays, and a personal holiday
• Family planning support including adoption benefits and paid/unpaid leave options for family and medical responsibilities
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Important Notices

• This position requires a Level 2 background screening including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment and participation in direct deposit. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and/or State Issued Photo Identification to conduct this background check.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. 

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.  

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.