Director - Communications

Print


Director - Communications

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

12690

Department

Engineering Department

Opening Date

04/24/2024

Closing Date

6/30/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Communications Director oversees the OCE communications team while also implementing strategic plans to keep constituents, stakeholders and partners informed about services and projects; enhancing the organization's brand; and highlight achievements The ideal candidate must have the capacity and interest to be an effective mentor and leader for staff.

Strong collaboration and team building skills will be necessary for this individual to be successful; excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills are essential.

 

JOB DUTIES:

  • Direct and supervise the activity of the communication organization.
  • Serve as the Media Spokesperson. 
  • Responsible for disaster/recovery communications.
  • Management of social media accounts for the department.
  • Coordinating events with clients, public outreach, and meetings.
  • Responsible for Internal and external communications.
  • Run monthly analytic reports, web content, and content management of publications.
  • Promotes project controls, tracking, and enhanced reporting using appropriate software/system, which includes utilizing the software to identify, track and analyze performance metrics to identify areas to sustain and/or improve.
  • Maintains responsibility, oversight, and knowledge of the entire portfolio of projects assigned to the division.
  • Conducts the full range of supervisory duties for assigned employees including training and development, performance management, staffing, policies and procedures, and balancing workloads.
  • Manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary.
  • Performs other duties that may be added or changed as the course and scope of the job directs.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or related field.

 

EXPERIENCE:

  • Seven (7) years’ experience public relations/communications.
  • Three (3) years supervisory experience.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong editing/proofreading, analytics, web content management.
  • Ability to develop/ written documents/oral presentations and/or reports conveying information and to communicate effectively.
  • Proficient in common office software (i.e., Microsoft Office) with the ability to produce documents and reports using database, spreadsheet, presentations, and various other software.
  • Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal tactfully with a diverse group of people in a professional manner.
  • Ability to organize work and establish priorities to meet guidelines and deadlines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected officials, community organizations, and the general public.


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

EXPERIENCE:

  • Public Sector Experience Preferred.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.


Salary:

Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.


Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).



Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. 

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

20250609151308_hcbenefits.jpg


HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.


The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:


Health & Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan


The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan) 
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by department.


In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.


For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
  • Bachelor's degree in public relations.
  • Bachelor's degree in communications.
  • Master's degree in public relations.
  • Master's degree in communications.
  • Bachelor's or Master's in a related field.
  • Other.
02
How many years of experience do you have in public relations/communications?
  • More than 10 years.
  • 7-10 years.
  • 4-6 years.
  • 1-3 years.
  • None of the above.
03
How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
  • More than 10 years.
  • 8-10 years.
  • 5-7 years.
  • 3-5 years.
  • 1-2 years.
  • None of the above.
04
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency in common office software (i.e., Microsoft Office)?
  • Proficient.
  • Intermediate
  • Basic.
  • None of the above

Required Question

Employer
Harris County
Address
1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone
713-274-5445