PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

City of Houston • Full-time • Houston, TX, US • 2d ago

Position Overview

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY ST., 8TH FL. WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

Subject to Change

Description Of Duties / Essential Functions

Under the guidance of the Director of Communications & Engagement, the Public Information Officer will function as the Deputy Director of Communications & Engagement to help facilitate the efficient and smooth day-to-day operations of the Communications & Engagement Division of the City Controller’s Office. This position will assist with brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, and crisis communications. The Deputy Director of Communications & Engagement is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Communications and Engagement Division, in concert with the Director. In this capacity, this position leads fast-paced, high-level narrative and communications strategy for the Office of the City Controller. The Deputy Director of Communications & Engagement will lead efforts to engage and mobilize diverse community and stakeholder groups, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into the Controller’s Office initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships and build coalitions that advance the City Controller’s mission. The ideal candidate will have effective communication, planning, and organization skills, with a commitment to providing excellent customer service, interacting professionally with staff at all levels of the organization, and the ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Public Information Officer duties will include but are not limited to:

Manages the daily operations of the public information function, including overseeing staff responsible for research and compilation of statistical and historical data.
Represents the department as a spokesperson and acts as a liaison between the department and the community. Attends various civic, council and business meetings, public dedications and other public event activities.
Assists with the preparation and distribution of responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries and City Council requests, ensuring accuracy and promptness.
Oversees the community engagement with constituency groups.
Assists the Director of Communications with all aspects related to brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, and crisis communications.
Completes special projects as needed, working on a wide variety of financial, administrative, professional, management, and community issues and problems of a high complexity.
Represents the City Controller at meetings and functions generally to gather information and to articulate opinions and recommendations of the City Controller’s office.
Monitors, reviews and responds to public feedback on departmental activities and progress.
Handles extremely sensitive or confidential information.
Prepares, edits and revises department policy and procedure manuals as directed. Responds to correspondence, requests for information, etc. as assigned by City Controller or designee.
Negotiates solutions for problems of a high complexity as needed.
Participates in special projects as assigned by the City Controller or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

Experience Requirements

Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.

License Requirements

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who have brand management experience, programmatic communications strategy and narrative experience, internal communications management experience, and crisis communications experience.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy: Assist in developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that promote the organization's mission and initiatives. Develop and disseminate communication materials tailored to various constituency groups, ensuring messages resonate and encourage engagement.

Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with media representatives. Draft press releases, media advisories, and other communications materials to enhance media coverage.

Content Development: Assist in the creation of engaging content for various platforms, including social media, newsletters, blogs, and the organization’s website.

Community Engagement: Develop and execute community engagement plans that foster collaboration and partnership with stakeholders, community leaders, and organizations.

Event Coordination: Plan and execute community events, workshops, and public forums to enhance visibility and engagement with target audiences.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and analyze communication efforts and community engagement activities to assess impact and inform future strategies.

Team Leadership: Support the Director in managing the communications team, providing guidance, mentoring, and training as needed.

Crisis Communication (as needed): Assist in developing crisis communication plans and responding to emerging issues to protect the organization’s reputation.

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for engaging constituency groups, aligning with the organization’s goals and priorities.

Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, advocacy groups, and other organizations.

Program Development: Design and oversee programs that promote inclusivity and participation among diverse constituency groups, ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making.

Advocacy: Represent the organization at community meetings, forums, and events, advocating for the needs and interests of constituency groups.

Training and Support: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on best practices for engaging and supporting constituency groups.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Track engagement efforts and assess the impact of programs on constituency groups, using data to inform future strategies.

Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to ensure alignment and integration of constituency group insights into broader organizational initiatives.

Key Skills And Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.
Understanding of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing.
Working knowledge of content management systems, HTML coding, and digital graphic production.
Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing.
Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities.
Strong leadership track record.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments.
Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
Exceptional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
Use of appropriate written and verbal language and grammar with minimal errors.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to meet multiple demands and customer needs using a variety of methods and best practices while incorporating customer feedback.
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection / Skills Tests Required

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION NO

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 26

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0453.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0453. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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