Director of Public Affairs
Executive Recruitment Announcement
Location: Ocean County, New Jersey
Position Type: Full-Time | Executive Leadership | Public Affairs & Communications
Lead the Voice of One of New Jersey's Largest County Governments
Ocean County is seeking an accomplished Director of Public Affairs to lead a dynamic department with an $2 million operating budget that supports virtually every aspect of County government. This executive position serves as the County's chief communications strategist, overseeing public information, media relations, community engagement, government affairs, and strategic messaging across County departments while collaborating extensively with quasi-government agencies, municipal, state, and federal partners.
Why Join Ocean County?
· Help shape the public image and strategic communications for one of New Jersey's largest counties.
· Lead a high-impact department supporting the full breadth of County operations.
· Partner with elected officials, executive leadership, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, emergency management, and regional agencies.
· Drive innovation in public engagement, digital communications, crisis communications, and AI-assisted communications.
What You'll Do
· Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the County's Public Affairs Department, supporting organizational priorities, policy, and performance expectations.
· Lead executive collaboration with the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator.
· Direct the development and continuous improvement of countywide communications and public affairs strategies.
· Serve as the County's chief spokesperson and principal media liaison.
· Lead media relations, press releases, executive messaging, speeches, digital content, and social media strategy.
· Oversee public outreach initiatives, stakeholder engagement, public meetings, and community partnerships.
· Develop crisis communication plans and coordinate messaging during emergencies and major incidents.
· Lead, mentor and evaluate communications, legislative, tourism, business development, and public information professionals.
· Manage the department's approximately $2 million annual operating budget while ensuring efficient resource allocation.
· Advise the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator on strategic communications, reputation management, public policy messaging, and organizational priorities.
· Leverage emerging technologies, analytics, AI, and digital communication tools to improve transparency and public engagement.
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
· Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, journalism, or public information.
· Demonstrated executive leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, and team development experience.
· Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and crisis communication skills.
· Experience with digital communications, social media management, media relations, analytics, and content strategy.
· Working knowledge of government operations, public policy, and intergovernmental relations.
Preferred Qualifications
· Executive public-sector communications experience
· Government public information leadership
· Crisis communications expertise
· Legislative affairs experience
· Marketing, branding, and community engagement leadership
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000 (Negotiable based on qualifications)
· New Jersey Pension System (PERS)
· Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
New Jersey pension system
· Deferred Compensation
· Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
· Professional development opportunities
High-Value Search Terms
Director of Public Affairs, Public Affairs Director, Communications Director, Public Information Officer, Government Relations, Community Relations, Strategic Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Executive Communications, Legislative Affairs, Public Engagement, Social Media Strategy, Government Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Reputation Management, Public Administration, Executive Leadership, Digital Communications, AI, Marketing.
Pay: $115,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
