DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (SR. STAFF ANALYST (EXE LEV)) - City of Houston, TX : Job Details

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM*

* Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Mayor's Office of Communications is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Deputy Director of Communications & Community Engagement to help support an integrated, proactive communications office supporting the mission and strategies of the City of Houston. Working with a diverse staff of communication professionals, he/she will develop messaging to reflect the priorities and accomplishments of the administration across a mix of platforms to create consistent messages for customers, stakeholders, executive staff and a host of other parties. The Deputy Director of Communications & Engagement will report directly to the Chief Communications Officer and manage a portfolio of select city departments to ensure the successful launch and management of press activities and citywide communications.

ESSENTIALS DUTIES:

* Assist the Chief of Communications in developing and executing the City of Houston's public relations and media strategy.

* Maintain positive, proactive relations and communications between the City of Houston, the public, and the local, state, and national news media.

* Serve as spokesperson and reliable contact with the media, including Spanish language media.

* Works with departmental communications team citywide across the assigned portfolio to understand and manage proactive and reactive communications matters.

* Provides professional expertise to consult and advise the mayor, leadership team, and departmental directors on crisis management, media contact, speeches, community relations, and other details as needed.

* Develop questions-and-answers (Q&A) fact sheets, talking points, and other communication materials for internal and external distribution.

* Responsible for the newsletter and helps oversee social media, open records, and ceremonial document processes within the mayor's office while advising on similar issues citywide.

* Works closely with the Houston Municipal Channel (HTV) to produce and disseminate news and information about the City of Houston.

* Assists in developing creative and timely story ideas and regularly pitches them to state and national media.

* Staff weekend and evening press events, appearances, and emergency incidents.

* Provide communications support during significant events such as hurricanes and major events.

* Attend community events with the Mayor or as a representative of the Mayor's Office.

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 Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work to be performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required.

Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WITH:

* A degree in Communications, Public Affairs or a closely related field to the duties of the position.

* Proven communications and press experience including working with reporters, press outlets, and new media.

* Superior communication skills, including writing, editing and verbal capabilities.

* Familiarity with state, regional, local media outlets.

* Strong organizational skills, including the proven ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously and against deadline.

* Familiarity and awareness of current events, both locally and nationally, that may affect messaging or content direction.

* Ability and willingness to work off-hours and weekends on occasion, based on fluctuating news cycles and event calendars.

* Detailed-oriented, organized approach and demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment

* Strong passion for city government and a commitment to public service

* Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the proven ability to work across different audiences and management levels

* Strong consideration given to Spanish speaking candidates

All applicants must submit the below items in full to be considered for this position:

* A WRITING SAMPLE

* RESUME

* WORK SAMPLES

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 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 this classification.

PAY GRADE 28

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: or call 832-###-####.

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

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

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.