Director of Communications

Position OverviewManage external communications for the Harris County District Attorney's Office (HCDAO), the biggest District Attorney office in Texas and the largest law firm in Houston. Responsible for developing and implementing programs designed to advance the mission of the office across a variety of vertical and horizontal communications platforms. Expertise in media relations is required and experience with digital media is preferred.Duties and Responsibilities:Manage media relations including responding to media inquiries, drafting press releases and statements, identifying cases of possible interest, and developing professional relationships with local and national media.Draft speeches for the District Attorney and senior staff.Design and develop content for HCDAO external facing digital content, including its website, and social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X).Design and develop content for HCDAO external facing print materials including flyers and informational brochures.Work with data scientists and HCDAO Information Technology to identify and visualize prosecutorial trends.Develop and maintain the HCDAO's logo, branding, and typography.Coordinate with HCDAO External Affairs in order to support its community/grassroots initiatives.Coordinate with HCDAO government affairs consultants to support federal, state, and local legislative initiatives and activities.Counsel the District Attorney and senior executives on communications issues as they emerge.Manage staff members responsible for court and visual communications.Report to HCDAO General Counsel with regular access to the District Attorney.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity EmployerRequirementsSupporting Job Application Documents:Provide copies of transcripts and any relevant certification.Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.At least twelve (12) years' experience in news media, public relations, and/or political campaigns.Experience serving as a spokesperson or advising executive leadership on communications matters.Experience managing social media, press releases, public releases, and public statements.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.Ability to work within tight deadlines and with understanding of the unique requirements of the Texas Public Information Act and ethics rules affecting prosecutors.Able to work effectively with senior executives and manage staff.Knowledge of public-sector and criminal justice communications.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.General InformationPosition Type and Typical Hours of Work:Regular Full-timeMonday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Although evening and weekend hours are sometimes required. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.Salary:$175,000 - 195,000 AnnuallyDepends on QualificationsBased on 26 Pay PeriodsEmployment 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.BenefitsHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental Leave*Sick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)Flexible work schedule*METRO RideSponsor Program** Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: