COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Office of Communications

Summary

Supervises - Office of Communications personnel, produces, verifies, and directs the digital and printed media to provide employees, citizens and area media with current information regarding Tarrant County operations. Works directly with the County Administrator and the Chief of Staff to establish strategies and messaging for the County. This position develops strategic initiatives to improve the overall communication and promotion of the County. Directs the planning, developing, implementing, and managing the dissemination of news and information (written and verbal) to the public, elected officials, County staff and the media regarding county incidents, events, and community programs. This position also develops and ensures consistent messaging of content on various County platforms including information to be uploaded to websites, social media sites, printed, video and electronic publications and news releases. Directs media relations for critical incidents, navigates crises communications, develops messaging and initiatives within the community.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position will supervise the Office of Communications staff.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Directs their team in developing internal and external communication with media, stakeholders, community, and staff.
• Oversees and guides PIO in the response to breaking news and critical incidents
• Leads their team in coordinated media relations and internal messaging of incidents and events.
• Assists in researching issues and writing talking points for the County Administrator.
• Develops and directs strategic initiatives to improve overall communication and promotion of Tarrant County.
• Directs and monitors effectiveness of communications and informational reports, and special events.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local media, , community, and County personnel.
• Serves as a spokesperson and representative, for the County to media and external organizations including schools, government groups and the community.
• Conducts training of personnel regarding how to communicate with media.
• Supervises and guides media team during responses to critical incidents.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills and be able to speak on behalf of Tarrant County during media interviews.
• Must have a strong understanding of media and web-based development skills.
• Must be able to direct multiple team members in high-stress critical incidents in order to quickly and accurately disseminate information to County personnel and the public.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• Six (6) full-time years of related work experience in Public Administration, Media Relations, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Three (3) full-time years of work experience in related field in a supervisory position.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s Degree preferred.
  
  

NOTE: You must fill out the work history and education sections of application to show you have years of experience/education as required by hiring department or be disqualified. If hired, must provide proof of educational attainment during the Onboarding process.

Physical Demands And Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, lift, transport, stoop, grasp, climb, walk and bend.

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.

• Note: These benefits are for Tarrant County employees only. For benefit information regarding Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, please contact Patrice Harrison at (817) 884-1227.
  
  

01

Please select your highest level of education completed with years of full-time office work experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher AND at least Six (6) full-time years of related work experience in Public Administration, Media Relations, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Associate's degree AND at least Eight (8) full-time years of related work experience in Public Administration, Media Relations, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• High School Diploma or GED AND at least Ten (10) full-time years of related work experience in Public Administration, Media Relations, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• None of the above
  
  

02

Do you have at least three (3) full-time years of work experience in related field in a supervisory position?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question