What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Division Director position at Harris County?
About Harris County Flood Control District:
The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. The Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins, totaling more than 10,000 acres and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens bayou.What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District:
The Communications Division Director is responsible for leading all communications-based strategies and programs for the Flood Control District, in support of its overall mission. This includes oversight of media relations, public outreach, internal and external communications, digital platforms, and crisis communication. The Director manages internal and contract staff and provides strategic counsel to executive leadership, with an emphasis on transparency, public trust, inclusion, and measurable impact.Essential Functions and Duties:
Strategic Oversight and Leadership- Provide strategic oversight of all communications efforts related to the Flood Control District, including media relations, project communications, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, public affairs/outreach, brand/reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and direct the implementation of an annual strategic communications plan that supports the Flood Control District’s mission and objectives, with data-informed goals and measurable performance indicators.
- Ensure all communication strategies reflect the Flood Control District’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and language equity.
- Provide strategic counsel to the Flood Control District’s executive team, including Chief External Affairs Officer, and conduct regular executive briefings on updates, challenges, results, and public sentiment.
- Support communication around legislative initiatives, policy updates, and government relations as needed.
- Lead and manage the communications team, including hiring, directing, coaching, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions and terminations.
- Direct internal communications efforts including executive messaging, town halls, organizational updates, and change management communications.
- Hold team members accountable through regular meetings, status updates, and performance reviews.
- Establish and promote continuing education and training for staff, ensuring knowledge of best practices, DEI, crisis readiness, and emerging technologies.
- Oversee personnel compliance with Flood Control District policies and procedures.
- Approve personnel time records.
- Lead and direct the Flood Control District’s proactive and reactive media relations efforts to maximize positive press and public awareness of projects, initiatives, and benefits.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the Flood Control District as needed, including media interviews and high-profile events.
- Lead social media strategy, development, monitoring, and analysis across platforms.
- Oversee content creation and graphic design, ensuring consistency in tone, branding, and visual identity across all channels.
- Monitor and respond to public sentiment and media coverage, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Manage and enhance the Flood Control District’s reputation through thoughtful messaging and proactive engagement.
- Serve as the Flood Control District’s communications lead during emergency events, including incident command or emergency operations center activations. Must be available for extended, on-site mobilization during such events.
- Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and public engagement strategies before, during, and after emergencies.
- Ensure communications are timely, accessible, and available across multiple platforms and in multiple languages.
- Design and implement community outreach and stakeholder engagement strategies to promote education, trust, and transparency.
- Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
- Lead presentations and participate in public meetings, including project updates and community forums.
- Prepare and manage the annual communications budget and ensure responsible use of resources.
- Identify and implement communications tools, software, and platforms to enhance workflow, media monitoring, public engagement, and reporting.
- Serve as point of contact for external consultants and oversee their performance and deliverables.
- Attend meetings with internal departments, public officials, partner agencies, and vendors.
- Present at conferences, workshops, and relevant training programs.
- Provide media training to internal staff and executives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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 ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, or related field
- Experience managing teams executing high-profile, fast-paced projects.
Licensure:
- Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s License
Knowledge Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of Associated Press (AP) style.
- Knowledge of governmental and public agency communication structures.
- Familiarity with crisis communication protocols and emergency operations.
- Knowledge of digital platforms, content strategy, and social media best practices.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Skilled in presentation development, public speaking, and messaging under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and communication management platforms (e.g., CMS, email marketing, social scheduling, project management).
- Ability to analyze data, evaluate communication impact, and adapt strategy accordingly.
- Lead a high-performing team and manage change with clarity and confidence.
- Exercise strong judgment under pressure, especially during emergencies or high-stakes events.
- Build positive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines while maintaining high-quality output.
- Maintain professionalism in high-visibility or high-scrutiny scenarios.
- Read/comprehend written materials including procedures, instructions, and policies.
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.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field (preferred)
Experience:
- Experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson (preferred)
Language:
- Spanish-speaking proficiency (preferred)
Position Type, Salary:
Regular | Full-Time
Salary: To be discussed at interview
Location:
Communications - 9900 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77092
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time.
- Ocassional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, file drawers and related materials and equipment required for clerical operations.
- Occasional stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 15 pounds.
- Occasional ascending/descending stairs.
- Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic controls.
- Work is performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions and noise levels.
- Requires extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
- May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used in cleaning offices and/or work areas.
- May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used for photographic or photocopier development or reproduction.
Interested Candidates Should Apply Via:
https://recruiting-source.com/wp-content/plugins/bullhorn-oscp/#/jobs/2375
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.
Salary : $83,200
