Director of Communications
Position Summary
The Director of Communications leads the Communications unit of the Office of Public Affairs and serves as HCTO’s senior communications professional responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy for the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive, integrated communications strategy for the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar’s 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 HCTO’s communications brand standards, including visual identity guidelines, messaging frameworks, editorial style standards, and tone of voice guidelines.
Lead the planning and execution of HCTO’s 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 HCTO's response to emergencies, media controversies, and sensitive public situations with speed, accuracy, and strategic judgment.
Cook up 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 HCTO’s 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.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public affairs, public relations, or a closely related field is required. A master's 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.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Expert knowledge of strategic communications, media relations, public affairs communications, digital media, and content strategy.
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.
Expert knowledge of writing and editing at an expert level across a broad range of formats, including press releases, speeches, public statements, fact sheets, and digital content.
Knowledge of developing and maintaining a consistent organizational brand voice and visual identity across multiple communication channels.
Expert knowledge of supervising and developing communications staff, providing editorial direction, and managing production workflows.
Expert knowledge of 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.
Preferences
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.
General Information
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.