Director of Communications

• Develop implement and continuously evaluate a comprehensive integrated communications strategy for the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrars Office encompassing media relations digital and social media content production internal communications and public awareness.
• Serve as the primary media relations contact for the Office managing relationships with print broadcast digital and ethnic media outlets responding to press inquiries facilitating press conferences and media briefings and developing proactive media strategies.
• Draft and edit high-quality written communications including press releases media advisories public statements op-eds speeches talking points fact sheets letters and constituent correspondence.
• Directly supervise the Communications Specialist and the Communications Coordinator providing performance management editorial guidance workload direction and professional development.
• Develop and maintain HCTOs communications brand standards including visual identity guidelines messaging frameworks editorial style standards and tone of voice guidelines.
• Lead the planning and execution of HCTOs digital communications presence overseeing website content social media channels email communications and digital content calendar.
• Advise the Chief and other senior leadership on communications strategy messaging media dynamics and reputational implications of organizational decisions.
• Develop and execute crisis communications plans managing HCTOs response to emergencies media controversies and sensitive public situations with speed accuracy and strategic judgment.
• Coordinate communications for major office initiatives public announcements election cycles and legislative developments ensuring consistent timely and effective public information.
• Oversee the development and production of public-facing materials including publications brochures annual reports infographics videos and other print and digital content.
• Monitor news coverage public opinion trends and relevant media activity providing regular intelligence reports and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage relationships with communications vendors contractors and consultants including scope development quality review and budget oversight.
• Develop and manage the Communications unit budget including preparing budget requests monitoring expenditures and reporting to division leadership.
• Establish editorial calendars content planning processes and communications workflow systems to ensure consistent coordinated and high-quality output across all channels.
• Serve as HCTOs spokesperson or coordinate spokesperson functions as designated by the Chief.
• Ensure all communications activities comply with applicable Harris County policies Texas public information laws and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Public Affairs.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in communications journalism public affairs public relations or a closely related field is required.
• A masters degree in communications journalism public affairs or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in communications media relations public affairs communications or journalism is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience managing professional communications staff is required.
• Demonstrated experience as a media relations professional or spokesperson in a government public sector or high-profile organizational environment is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital communications social media strategy and digital content production is required.

• Expert knowledge of strategic communications media relations public affairs communications digital media and content strategy.
• Expert knowledge of media relations practices including managing relationships with diverse media outlets conducting press conferences and navigating complex media inquiries.
• Thorough knowledge of crisis communications planning media management during sensitive situations and reputational risk assessment.
• Knowledge of Texas Public Information Act requirements and compliance obligations in government communications.
• Knowledge of digital communications platforms social media management web content management and digital analytics.
• Skill in writing and editing at an expert level across a broad range of formats including press releases speeches public statements fact sheets and digital content.
• Skill in developing and maintaining a consistent organizational brand voice and visual identity across multiple communication channels.
• Skill in supervising and developing communications staff providing editorial direction and managing production workflows.
• Skill in advising senior leadership on communications strategy with expert judgment political awareness and organizational sensitivity.
• Ability to exercise expert independent judgment on time-sensitive high-visibility and politically sensitive communications matters.
• Ability to manage multiple communications priorities and projects simultaneously often under significant time pressure.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with journalists editors and media professionals.
• Proficiency in communications tools including content management systems social media platforms media monitoring services and design tools.

Experience:

• Experience with crisis communications planning and execution is strongly preferred
• Experience as a communications director or senior communications professional in a Texas local government or county agency.
• Established relationships with Houston-area media organizations and journalists.
• Experience with Spanish-language media or multicultural communications strategies.
• Familiarity with Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector services and election administration communications.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Availability outside standard business hours during breaking news events crises elections and major public announcements is required. Some local travel for press events and media engagements is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to sit for extended periods operate standard office and communications equipment and travel to off-site media and press events.