Salary : $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually
Location : Houston
Job Type : Executive Level
Job Number : 34812
Department : Houston Public Works
Division : Director's Office
Opening Date : 08 / 25 / 2024
POSITION OVERVIEW
PN#34812 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - Communications Director
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES :
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY :
Develops, implements, and continuously adapts a comprehensive communications strategy around Houston Public Works' responsibilities, activities, and employees.
- Provides vision for communications, marketing, and branding
- Works closely with Department Stakeholders, including Service Line outreach / engagement teams, to support cohesive messaging and branding
Collects and understands Service Line priorities
Integrates Service Line priorities into overall departmentwide prioritiesRecommends implementation strategy, including considerations of internal and external resourcesDefines roles, authority, and responsibility of Service Line outreach / engagement teamsServes as the communications liaison between the Department and the Mayor's Office and other City DepartmentsResponsible for development and execution of media strategy across all media (i.e. press, social, broadcast, print, etc.) both proactive and responsiveDevelops strategy, policies, and procedures related to communications for external engagement, including the public, media, website, social media, etc., to include all Department functions and Service Line prioritiesMaintains active membership in state, regional, and national professional associations and organizations for communications, particularly public sectorNOTE : This requires development and maintenance of a strong relationship with Service Line Directors to understand both Department and Service Line priorities. Cultivates positive professional relationships to build cooperation, reach consensus, and defuse tension when introducing controversial projects or initiatives to the Department, City, and the public.
DAILY LEADERSHIP :
Directs and manages personnel in performing functions related to both internal and external communications of Houston Public Works.
Represents the Department or City in a variety of internal / external settings, always promoting the organization in a positive wayOversees budget and fiscal management for the Communications TeamAbility to adapt and manage change effectivelyManages Department Reception area on 25th FloorRegularly reviews external and internal communications practices, procedures, and policies and develops or suggests revisions as neededDevelops, implements, and monitors systems and procedures necessary to ensure effective and efficient operations within the teamEvaluates Department and Service Line needs compared to internal resources and recommends implementation by employees (either in the Service Lines or within the Communications Team) or external resourcesHires, supervises, trains, coaches, and develops employees to perform assigned job duties, including implementation of necessary disciplineDefines job duties for employees within the Communications TeamDevelops HEAR plans and perform annual and scheduled evaluations with job duties for each individual employeeDirects and reviews work performed by the Communications Team, as well as work prepared by Service Line outreach / engagement teamsSupports preparation of Department presentations at Council, Council Committees, Public Meetings, etc.Supports preparation of Department publications such as Houston Water's Consumer Confidence ReportSupports Director with written material and interactive presentations for public speaking engagements, press conferences, interviews, video recordings, or article publicationsEXETERNAL COMMUNICATIONS :
Directs and manages staff and activities to perform external communications. Responsibilities include :
Manages the Public Information Officer for the DepartmentFacilitates Public Information requests for the DepartmentOversees the development and maintenance of the Department's website, including content, ease of navigation, and clarity of informationSocial Media content development and maintenanceMonitors media and social media for activities and prepare responsesProvides guidance for external project-specific communications to carryDepartmentwide messaging and preserve brand identityProvides graphics support for presentations and publicationsProvides guidance for obtaining marketing and education materials for brand consistencyNOTE : External communications often has tight and / or time sensitive deadlines that could harm the reputation of the Department or City if not handled in a timely manner.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS :
Directs and manages staff and activities to perform Internal Department Communications. Responsibilities include :
Bi-weekly newsletter, including content ideas and developmentProvides support for Department presentations at meetings (i.e. Leadership Team) including PowerPoint and script developmentFacilitates general Department messaging and Culture / Transform initiatives using tools such as "In the Works" digital signage, posters, banners, training materials, etc.Develops, composes, and distributes standard forms, procedures, and policies for consistent and efficient communicationsNOTE : Internal Communications may require interpreting confidential information into messaging that can be distributed without disclosing confidentiality. Ability to use tact and professionalism including in times of extreme stress.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESPONSIBILITIES :
100% During Emergency Activation)
Manages all HPW efforts and staff related to the Joint Information Center at the Houston Emergency Operations Center. This requires working directly with other responding Departments such as Police, Fire, Health, etc. Activities include, but are not limited to :
Handles inquiries from the media and elected officials - may be time sensitive requests needing immediate responsesPrepares public information and messagingMonitors for Rumors, including Social Media, and responds in real timeMedia RelationsDigital / Social CommunicationsMonitors media and other sources of information of ongoing incident andtransmits relevant information to appropriate personnel.If requested by Mayor's Communications Office, performs these same functions as manager for the entire City Communications during emergency activation.
NOTES :
1) Requires physical onsite presence for assigned shift (possibly a varied schedule inclusive of evenings and weekends) and ability to report as assigned or stay onsite
2) Emergency Activations are high stress situations that require team updates and information sharing, decision making, and immediate action. Delays in action may result in serious harm to people and property
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION :
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE :
Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a managerial capacity.
A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants that possess :
Master's Degree from an accredited college or universityEight years of experience in communications, public relations, creative services, or a related field including three years of supervisory responsibilityExperience in public relations, media relations, design / creative services and marketing principles, practices, and techniquesSkills and abilities relating to advancing and understanding equitable communication and how the dissemination of information impacts historically marginalized communitiesAbility to process information quickly and communicate complex issues in simple termsKnowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administrationStrategic thinker with the capacity to develop and follow through on long-range plans while managing emerging newsSound decision-making, collaboration and team building skillsExperience with crisis communication and ability to work during emergency operationsAbility to provide administrative and professional leadership to a diverse teamPreference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess 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 : Yes
All applicants will be expected to provide a professional writing sample.
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 similar positions.
Pay Grade : 32
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 :
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting : or call ([redacted].
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.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.
Benefits include :
MedicalDentalVisionWellnessLife insuranceLong-term disabilityRetirement pension457 deferred compensation planEmployee Assistance Program10 days of vacation each year11 city holidays, plus one floating holidayFlexible schedulesProfessional development opportunitiesTransportation / parking planSection 125 pretax deductionsDependent Care Reimbursement PlanHealthcare Flexible Spending AccountFor plan details, visit
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
Which best describes your years of experience that relates to the duties of this position?
I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.I have less than 5 years of experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.I have more than 5 but less than 7 years experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.I have more than 7 but less than 9 years experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.I have more than 9 but less than 11 years experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.I have more than 11 years experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.Please describe your related experience.
Do you possess at least eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in organizational management with exposure to communications processes, planning, budgeting, human resources, procedural analysis, and preparation of written policies and procedures?
What best describes your highest level of education?
High School Diploma or GEDAssociate's DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree or AboveNone of the aboveIf you answered that you have a college degree what was your field of study?
Business Administration, Public Administration or a field closely related to the duties of this positionNon-related field of studyI do not have a degreeWhich best describes your years of experience in a managerial capacity?
I have no managerial experience.I have less than 3 years of managerial experience.I have 3 years or more of managerial experience.Do you possess eight (8) years or more of increasingly responsible experience in communications, public relations, creative services, or a related field?
Salary : $125,000 - $140,000
