What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist- Writer position at Harris County?
Position Description
Working at Harris County Precinct 4:
You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.
What you will do for Harris County Precinct 4 (HCP4)
Harris County Precinct 4 is seeking a Communications Specialist - Writer. In this writing position, the Communications Specialist will develop, edit, and publish content for a variety of marketing and communications channels to promote Precinct 4 programs, events, and services. The Communications Specialist will also write speeches and talking points for Commissioner Lesley Briones and members of the leadership team.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
-
Messaging:
- Ensure all internal and external communication is consistent with Precinct 4 messaging and follows AP Style and established Precinct 4 visual and written style guide.
- Develop and maintain relationships with members and leaders of Precinct 4 divisions to identify and execute communications needs.
- Work with subject matter experts to translate complex policy language into concise and accessible formats.
- Assist communications division lead in crisis communications planning and messaging.
- Support precinct and county-wide emergency management functions as needed.
-
Deliverables:
- Write speeches, talking points, messages, and ceremonial documents for the Commissioner.
- Identify content, develop articles, and conduct interviews for Precinct 4’s digital and printed publications.
- Identify content for social media platforms, websites, employee intranet, and video scripts.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of communications best practices and trends.
-
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Consistently meet deadlines and communications objectives.
- Provide messaging guidance and creative feedback to Precinct 4 team.
- Manage projects from ideation to completion, including project plans and timelines, scopes of work, and project budgets.
- Stay up to date with local and state news and government affairs to craft informed content.
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
Requirements
Education:
- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
Experience:
- Minimum two (2) years of professional communications experience
- Must possess strong organizational and written communication skills.
- Proficient with computers and related software, including the Microsoft suite of applications.
- Assistance with setting up and tearing down special events as needed.
- Proficient in writing correspondence, doing data entry, and carrying out other administrative tasks.
- Evening and weekend hours may be assigned as required.
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
Education:
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing from an accredited college or university (preferred)
- Fluency in Spanish is highly desired (preferred)
General Information
Position Type, Salary and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular | Full-time
Location:
- TBD
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- This position requires a significant amount of time outdoors and exposure to a variety of environmental and extreme weather conditions. This position also requires traveling to parks located throughout the precinct and at long distances. The ability to work outdoors during all seasons and to drive safely is essential. The ability to operate standard office equipment and software platforms is required.
- Essential functions involve significant physical demands related to repeated lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance rarely; carrying tools, materials, and equipment over rough terrain; climbing, reaching, and bending. Frequently to walk, sit, talk, drive, hear, bend, stoop, twist, and balance.
What You Will Get in Return:
You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.
Featured Benefits:
Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick-time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.
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.
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.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedule (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://benefitsathctx.com/
