The Deputy Director of Communications oversees the development and management of all HCTRA external and internal communications, marketing, digital marketing, and GIS/mapping activities. Responsible for the overall direction of communications, marketing, printing services and GIS/mapping for the agency. Provides guidance to the Executive Director and Executive Leadership team on the direction of the organization, assuring its accountability to constituencies and ensuring its effective operation. Outside the agency, the position coordinates with other county department staff, other tolling entities, and stakeholder groups.
Duties And Responsibilities
Oversees the development and strategic oversight of all communications efforts that support the agency’s objectives, including media relations, digital platforms, employee communications, public affairs/outreach, and project communications.
Oversees the development, strategic oversight, and implementation of the agency’s communication outreach strategies to further the agency’s mission and reputation and to promote public/media education and awareness of agency programs, projects, and improvements to maximize positive press and proactive media opportunities.
Oversees the development and management of content development and graphic design efforts to serve the agency’s mission with innovative ways to communicate about its projects, benefits, and programs to the public to include newsletters, presentations, website content, public notices, and other platforms.
Oversees the management of the agency’s social media marketing, including research, strategy, content development, promotion, guidelines, and other relevant efforts.
Oversees and directs employee communications efforts, including executive communications, town halls, annual updates, and other relevant activities.
Oversees communications for day-to-day operational activities, such as roadway incidents and closures, escalated customer issues, responding to general inquiries on a variety of topics such as projects, toll payment, violations, right of way, etc., which requires coordination with the appropriate subject matter experts.
Provides professional expertise to consult and advise the Executive Director and agency leadership in specific public/press relations activities such as crisis management, corporate communications, media content, speeches, community relations and others as required.
Provides strategic counsel to the agency’s Executive Director and executive leadership and conducts executive briefings on a regular basis to share feedback, issues, challenges, results, and other relevant updates.
Other Duties
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications, and public relations activities.
Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal skills.
Knowledge and experience with writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media.
Excellent communication skills including writing, presentation, grammar, and content development.
Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
Ability to manage a crisis event and remain composed to ensure adequate communications strategies and messaging are implemented.
Ability to communicate important organizational and project updates to peers and managers clearly and proactively.
Ability to communicate through superior written, oral and presentation skills and constructively edit others' work.
Ability to work well under pressure and public scrutiny.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet changing and multiple deadlines and to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to manage and lead a team within an office environment.
Ability to make independent judgments that could have significant impact on employees and/or the organization.
Strong skills using Microsoft Office.
Fluent in Associated Press (AP) style.
Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree in communications or public relations from an accredited college or university.
Requires fifteen (15) years of progressive senior management-level, verifiable professional experience in communications, public relations, public advocacy, or similar field with eight (8) years in a corporate or executive level management capacity.
Experience and knowledge working with government agencies and their governing bodies.
Experience in executing and implementing complex, high-profile projects in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in crisis/emergency management.
Preference: Master's Degree
Physical Demands
Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type And Typical Hours Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.
Work Environment
There are no major sources of discomfort. A normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature controls and furnishings are provided. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Reporting Relations
Reports To Position: Executive Director
Supervises Positions: Assistant Director, Communications; Manager, Mapping and Graphics; and other new positions added to the department
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
