ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - COMMUNICATIONS

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

JOB CLASSIFICATION: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV)                      
DIVISION: DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER                      
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community. We are seeking a passionate and innovative Communications Director to join our team and help us share our story with the world. 

ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a unique opportunity to lead and significantly enhance how the public understands and values the critical work of HPW. As the architect of our brand story, you will craft compelling narratives that showcase our employees' dedication and expertise, highlighting our projects' impact on the lives of Houston residents. As a key leader within HPW, the Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that elevate the visibility and impact of HPW within the city. This role requires a strategic thinker and a creative problem-solver with a passion for public service and a deep understanding of the evolving communications landscape.

Reporting to the HPW Chief of Staff, the Communications Director will lead and manage all aspects of communications for HPW. This position oversees the Public Information Officer (PIO) and a team of professional and support staff. 


DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
LEADERSHIP

• Supervise and lead a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Define job duties and expectations for team members.
• Develop Houston Employee Assessment and Review (HEAR) plans and conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and address employee concerns.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee employee training and development.
• Manage employee schedules, time off requests, and other personnel matters.
• Lead the development and implementation of long-term communication strategies that align with HPW's overall goals and objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on all communication matters, including messaging, media outreach, and crisis communication.
• Provide strategic counsel on the department's brand identity and messaging.
• Evaluate the City's current use of communications and marketing budget, software, engagement and outreach initiatives making recommendations for future utilization. 
• Oversee the development and management of the department's communication budget and purchases, including HPW promotional items.
• Ensure all communication activities comply with City of Houston policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Collaborate with other City departments and agencies on communication initiatives.
• Support the Director with written material and interactive presentations for public speaking engagements, press conferences, interviews, video recordings, or article publications.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Develop and Implement Comprehensive, forward-thinking Communications Strategies: Oversee the development of integrated communications strategies for cross-organizational projects on priority issues, working closely with service line areas and subject-matter experts. Manage the roll out of all communications opportunities.
• Execute a clearly defined marketing and branding strategy that aligns with HPW's objectives and enhances brand equity. 
• Continuously foster new communication and marketing ideas, including recruitment campaigns, internal collaboration initiatives, and staff recognition programs.
• Demonstrate how innovative communication efforts have improved service delivery, enhanced citizen engagement, and achieved positive outcomes for the community.
• Track progress against the office's communications goals and assess the effectiveness of all communication efforts in advancing policy priorities. 
• Develop and manage the department's branding, ensuring consistent messaging and brand identity across all communication channels. 
• Develop and ensure our brand strategy is effectively delivered to the target audience through appropriate marketing activities. Oversee all aspects of the brand experience, including marketing, advertising, design, public relations, and customer service. 
• Work closely with Department Stakeholders to support cohesive messaging and branding. 
• Establish and implement department marketing strategies, analyze and report on their effectiveness, and recommend necessary improvements. 
• Monitor emerging trends to identify and incorporate new marketing programs and strategies. 
• Maintain active membership in state, regional, and national professional associations and organizations for communications, particularly in the public sector.
  
  

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS/ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Media and Public Relations:

• Oversight of the HPW Public Information Officer, who serves as the primary media spokesperson for HPW.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets (newspapers, television, radio, online publications).
• Proactively pitch story ideas to media outlets.
• Respond to media inquiries promptly and accurately.
• Schedule and conduct media interviews.
• Draft and issue press releases, media advisories, and statements.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact.
• Develop and execute public relations campaigns to promote HPW's initiatives and programs, i.e. plan and coordinate public events, including press conferences, open houses, and community meetings.
• Manage content for the department's website and social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).
• Create engaging content (videos, photos, graphics, blog posts, social media posts) to share with the public.
• Manage the department's public information requests and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Represent HPW at community events, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage the public in HPW's decision-making processes.
• Conduct public surveys and gather feedback from community members.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, neighborhood associations, and other stakeholders.
  

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Employee Communications:

• Develop and implement strategies to improve internal communication within HPW.
• Create and distribute internal newsletters and other communication materials.
• Plan and conduct employee town halls, meetings, and other internal communication events.
• Regularly update the department's intranet, digital signage or other internal communication platforms.
• Foster a culture of open communication and transparency within the department.
• Develop and execute communication plans to support organizational change initiatives within HPW.
• Communicate effectively with employees about new policies, procedures, and technologies.
• Facilitate general Department messaging and Culture/Transform initiatives using tools such as “In the Works” digital signage, posters, banners, training materials, etc.

NOTE: 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)

• Manage 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 Emergency Management, Police, Fire, Health, etc. Activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Media Relations, i.e., handles inquiries from the media and elected officials – may be time sensitive requests needing immediate responses. Monitors media and other sources of information of ongoing incident and transmits relevant information to appropriate personnel.
  • Prepare public information and messaging.
  • Monitor digital/social media, consistently, regularly and responds in real time
  • Manage crisis communication efforts, including responding to breaking news or controversies, and ensuring the Councilmember’s messaging to the public is clear, consistent, and timely. 
  • Develop and implement crisis communication plans to mitigate risks and manage public perception during sensitive issues.
  • If requested by Mayor’s Communications Office, performs these same functions as manager for the entire City Communications during emergency activation.

NOTE: 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.
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.


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. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, Advertising, Public Relations or a related field.
 
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Seven years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing or closely related field are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity. 

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).Preference will be given to applicants that possess:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Seven plus years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing or closely related field, with a strong preference for experience in government or public sector settings.
• Experience in public relations, media relations, design / creative services and branding/marketing principles, practices, and techniques
• Experience with social media advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful brand strategies, including building brand awareness, affinity, and engagement.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with data analysis and using metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts.   
• Skills and abilities relating to advancing and understanding equitable communication and how the dissemination of information impacts historically marginalized communities 
• Ability to process information quickly and communicate complex issues in simple terms.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to develop and follow through on long-range plans while managing emerging news.
• Sound decision-making, collaboration, and team building skills.
• Experience with crisis communication and ability to work during emergency operations.
• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership to a diverse team

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Have previous experience leading and motivating a cross-functional team, fostering collaboration, and achieving successful outcomes.
• Be comfortable with ambiguity, able to adapt quickly to changing priorities, and effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure.
• Be an exceptional communicator with the ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex information to diverse audiences, including elected officials, key stakeholders, and the public. You must also be a strong relationship-builder, capable of building and maintaining trust and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Be a proactive and bold, innovative thinker who can identify challenges, develop creative solutions, and measure the impact of your work.
• Be a collaborative and supportive team member who values the contributions of others and works effectively within a diverse team environment.
• Be eager to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in communication and marketing, and actively seek out opportunities for professional development.
• Be a risk-taker who seeks to challenge traditional approaches and explore new and innovative ways to communicate with a variety of audiences.
• Be readily accessible to your team and stakeholders and possess the foresight to anticipate future trends and challenges in the field of communications.
• Proactively identify opportunities to showcase the impactful work of HPW to the public, and champion efforts to elevate the department's profile and build positive public perception.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the 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.**SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION     Yes
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 this classification.  

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: www.houstontx.gov. 

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832/393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832/393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

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.

Salary : $125,000 - $162,000