Press Secretary

Position Description

Position Overview:

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is transforming the way we do government and is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated Press Secretary to join our team and shape the vision for the future of Harris County.

We are looking for a press relations professional to assist our Communications Director in the execution of a proactive communications strategy that aligns with the Harris County Judge's vision for a safe, equitable and resilient Harris County. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join the communications team of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo as a Press Secretary. This role is instrumental in shaping and managing the county judge's public image through effective media relations, press conferences, press releases, and communication strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media relations, excellent writing skills-AP Style, and a deep understanding of media dynamics.

About the Harris County Judge:

Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County’s Director of Emergency Management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets-this includes collaborating with reporters, editors and producers to shape media narratives and ensure accurate representation of Judge Hidalgo’s initiatives and policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate all press interviews.
• Proactively pitch stories and engage with the media to promote Judge Lina Hidalgo's initiatives and events.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with overall communication strategies.
• Craft compelling and newsworthy content to enhance and increase media coverage.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, town halls, media briefings, and media events.
• Work closely with the events team to ensure seamless media coverage during public appearances and official functions.
• Assist in rapid response and crisis communication media plans and strategies.
• Act as a spokesperson/on the record including crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to the media.
• Stay informed about local and national news trends, political developments, and public sentiment.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular updates and recommendations and provide regular reports to the communication’s team.
• Identify and generate media and community interest through email outreach, targeted pitch calls, and press opportunities.
  
  
  

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]

Requirements

Required Supporting Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Updated Resume
  
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing responsibility.
• Master’s degree will be accepted for two (2) years of experience.
• Relevant communications or media relations experience.
• Experience in supporting and executing a social media strategy on all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, along with the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Excellent judgment, integrity and commitment to personal responsibility and accountability.
• A solid track record of media placements and identifying newsworthy content.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to make complex issues understandable and relevant to external audiences.
• Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Passion for improving quality of life for the people of Harris County .
• Respect for diversity and knowledge of the region's demographics.
• Excellent copywriting skills.
  
  
  

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

• Over one (1) year experience supporting and executing a social media strategy on all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Fluency in Spanish (written and spoken) a plus.
  
  
  

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Monday – Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis .
  
  

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
• Plus, benefits
  
  
  

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

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