Director of Innovation and Community Engageme presso City of Cooper City

Director of Innovation and Community Engagement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.   Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not explicitly spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental to the performance of their duties, just as though they were written out in this job description. 

JOB SUMMARY

This is a senior executive role charged with shaping the future direction of the organization through innovation, technology leadership, strategic communications, and community engagement. Serving as both Director of Innovation and Chief Communications Officer, this position oversees the Communications Department and the Information Technology Department to ensure that organizational messaging, digital systems, and operational infrastructure are fully aligned with strategic goals. The Director acts as a visionary leader and connector, driving cross-departmental collaboration to improve efficiency, enhance reputation, and expand community impact.

 Responsibilities include setting and executing enterprise-wide innovation strategies, leading communications and IT functions, cultivating stakeholder partnerships, and driving initiatives that reimagine processes, programs, and services. The role requires exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to translate visionary concepts into measurable outcomes that strengthen organizational reputation, digital capabilities, and long-term sustainability

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all-inclusive)

 The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Strategic Innovation and Vision:

Lead the design, development, and execution of innovation strategies that transform operations, enhance services, and create new opportunities for growth.

Serve as a thought leader and advisor to executive leadership, identifying trends, emerging technologies, and best practices that can be adapted to organizational needs.

Develop and implement multi-year communication, public relations, and marketing strategies to promote the organization's mission and enhance brand awareness. 

Innovation Leadership:

Lead the design, development, and execution of innovation strategies that transform operations, enhance services, and create new opportunities for growth, technologies, and best practices that can be adapted to organizational needs.

Serve as a thought leader and advisor to executive leadership, identifying trends, emerging technologies, and best practices that can be adapted to organizational needs.

Chief Communication Officer Responsibilities:

Oversee the Communications Department, setting and executing multi-year strategies for branding, marketing, media relations, crisis communications, and public relations.

Ensure clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across all channels (digital, print, media, internal communications, and community outreach).

Serve as the organization’s spokesperson and strategic communications advisor to the executive team.

Information Technology Oversight:

Provide executive oversight to the IT Department, ensuring the organization’s technology infrastructure, digital platforms, and data systems are reliable, secure, and strategically aligned.

Lead initiatives that integrate technology and communications to enhance community engagement, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Guide IT modernization efforts, digital transformation projects, and data-driven decision-making.

Organizational Alignment & Efficiency:

Build systems and frameworks that connect departments, streamline processes, and improve collaboration.

Champion a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across all levels of the organization.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

Cultivate and sustain high-level partnerships with community leaders, government agencies, business partners, and other stakeholders to expand reach and impact.

Ensure communications and innovative initiatives resonate with and benefit diverse internal and external communities.

Change Leadership:

Guide teams through transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and measurable outcomes.

Mentor and empower staff to embrace innovation, develop new skills, and contribute to cross-functional solutions.

Research, Data & Impact Measurement:

Conduct research, analyze data, and benchmark performance to identify opportunities for innovation and assess program effectiveness.

Develop reporting systems to track progress, evaluate outcomes, and communicate successes to stakeholders.

Resource Management:

Oversee budgets, investments, and strategic initiatives across Communications, IT, and Innovation functions.

Secure external funding and partnership opportunities to support key initiatives when applicable.

Marketing & PR:

Oversee the creation of press releases, press kits, educational materials, social media strategies, and media outreach to increase brand visibility. 

Budget & Project Management:

Manage budgets, deadlines, objectives, and schedules for communication and innovation initiatives, ensuring efficient execution. 

Market Research:

Conduct market research to assess internal and external perceptions of the organization and identify opportunities for growth and innovation. 

Collaboration:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, and external partners to gather information, generate ideas, and maintain consistent messaging. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred in Business Administration, Public Administration, Innovation, Organizational Leadership, Communications, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• 10+ years of progressive executive-level leadership experience in innovation, communications, IT oversight, or organizational transformation.
• Strong knowledge of consumer marketing, analytics, and insights, with experience in media planning and optimization preferred.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-departmental initiatives and driving organizational change at a senior level.
• Proven track record of managing both communications and IT teams, influencing decision-making, and delivering measurable results.
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, change management, digital transformation, and communications frameworks, with the ability to apply them across diverse organizational functions.
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal), with demonstrated ability to engage diverse constituencies and inspire collaboration.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, franchisees, and agencies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; fluency in English and Spanish is required, with proficiency in additional Asian languages preferred.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS 

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects and materials of light weight. Tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation. Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

General office setting: frequent interruptions and many deadlines to meet. 

The City of Cooper City, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The above job description reflects the general information deemed necessary to convey the primary functions of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements inherent to the position.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.