Director of Public Affairs - Ocean County

Director of Public Affairs - 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Executive public-sector communications experience
• Government public information leadership
• Crisis communications expertise
• Legislative affairs experience
• Marketing, branding, and community engagement leadership

• 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.

$115,000 - $130,000 (negotiable based on qualifications)

Final date to receive applications:
September 3, 2026.