City of Fort Lauderdale, FL is hiring : Strategic Communications Specialist-Photo

Salary : $69,302.27 - $107,424.51 Annually

Location : FL 33301, FL

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : FP031-01

Department : Strategic Communications Department

Opening Date : 10 / 07 / 2025

Closing Date : 10 / 14 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY

Step behind the lens and into the heart of one of Florida's most vibrant cities. The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking a full-time Photographer / Videographer to lead visual storytelling with a strong emphasis on still photography . From sunlit shoreline ceremonies to dynamic downtown festivals, you'll be the creative force capturing the people, places, and pulse of our community.

Our ideal candidate thrives on flexibility and will often cover City events that take place in the evenings and on weekends. While this role extends beyond a traditional 8-to-5 schedule, it also includes a steady presence during regular business hours.

Your schedule will adjust each week, requiring adaptability and offering the opportunity to share Fort Lauderdale's story with the community. You'll work with City officials, departments, and neighbors in a professional and personable way, while confidently giving direction to capture the perfect shot.

This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Develops and implements public information campaigns and special projects for City programs, services, and events
• Develops creative concepts to brand and market programs, services, and events by collaborating with a graphic designer
• Retouch, resize, and color-correct photographs using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Collaborate with team to understand project goals, specifications, and brand guidelines for both photo and video projects.
• Plan and storyboard video concepts in collaboration with the creative team.
• Uses technical software and various platforms to maintain and / or disseminate information on City programs, services, and events via the City website, intranet, social media, and other tools as needed
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot cameras, lenses, lighting, and audio gear.
• Setting up scenes, arranging lighting, and directing subjects or talent during photoshoots and video shoots.
• Organize, archive, and maintain a digital library of all photos and videos.
• Assemble raw footage, input sound, add graphics, and incorporate special effects using software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Use professional equipment and techniques to capture high-quality images for events, portraits, and marketing campaigns.
• Execute photoshoots both in a controlled studio environment and at various outdoor or interior locations.
• Develops, creates and produces photos and videos for the City's communications tools
• Work effectively with creative teams and other departments to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Record high-quality video on-location or in a studio, often using professional-grade cameras and other equipment.
• Staying current with emerging technologies and creative trends.
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and / or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for extended periods of time. The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, walk, push, pull, grasp, stand and access heights or areas where limited space is available.

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

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) .to the online application.

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Click for additional Federation of Public Employees management benefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!

Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

01

Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or closely related field?

02

Please indicate which area of study you possess from question# 1.

03

How many years of work experience do you possess in directing, shooting, editing, producing, and optimizing a variety of videos for various distribution channels such as television, internet, and social media?

04

How do you ensure visual content is optimized for different platforms (e.g., social media, websites, press releases)?

05

Describe your experience with video editing software. Which tools do you use most often, and why?

06

What's your process for capturing high-quality audio during interviews or live events?

07

Please share a link to your portfolio or samples of your work. Which piece best represents your storytelling style, and why?

08

What excites you about telling the story of a city like Fort Lauderdale through visual media?

Required Question