Director of Strategic Communications

Overview Join to apply for the Director of Strategic Communications role at Texas Health and Human Services . Date posted: Sep 12, 2025 Location: AUSTIN, TX The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) IT Division is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Director of Strategic Communications. The Director will be responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing comprehensive communication strategies that promote organizational objectives, foster a culture of transparency, and enhance engagement among internal and external stakeholders. Posting details: Functional Title: Director of Strategic Communications; Job Title: Director III; Agency: Health & Human Services Comm; Department: IT Internal Marketing; Posting Number: 9140; Closing Date: 12/11/2025; Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $10,383.83; Pay Frequency: Monthly; Shift: Day; Telework: Not Eligible for Telework; Full Time; FLSA Exempt; Facility Location: Austin; Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST. Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions) EJF #1: Oversee the daily operations and activities for the IT communications team. Plan, assign, and supervise work; establish goals and objectives; develop, implement, and evaluate short- and long-term communication strategies that align with IT Division and HHSC goals. Direct and oversee urgent communication plans for emergencies, cybersecurity incidents, or public health situations. Advise on message development and maintain a strong Brand Guide; ensure compliance with the HHS Brand Guide, state and federal regulations, accessibility standards, and agency policies. Use data-driven approaches to measure effectiveness and report to senior leadership. EJF #2: Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse communications team; manage staff through training and performance appraisals; oversee hiring, prioritization, evaluations, and leave approvals. EJF #3: Create and maintain effective internal communication channels; serve as a spokesperson as needed; manage digital channels (SharePoint, intranet, newsletters); develop high-quality, accessible content (alerts, speeches, talking points, newsletters, presentations, reports, video scripts). EJF #4: Collaborate with internal partners to align on communication objectives and timelines; work with IT leadership, project managers, and subject matter experts to ensure accurate, timely, and strategic communication of technology projects; coordinate with HHSC Press Officer and IT leadership for responses; engage with Director of IT Organizational Maturity on training and change management. EJF #5: Perform other projects as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge Knowledge of Texas state government operations, public health frameworks, and accessibility requirements (Section 508/ADA). Knowledge of information technology concepts, project management, and digital communications platforms. Knowledge of a variety of communication tools (emails, PowerPoint, infographics, web content, handouts, video, etc.). Knowledge of writing various types of communications including talking points, presentations, and internal newsletters. Skills Developing and executing integrated communication strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Communicating technical information to non-technical audiences and tailoring messages for diverse groups. Leading high-performing teams, driving results, and fostering professional growth. Building partnerships and working across departments and with external organizations. Analyzing data to inform decisions and measure impact of communication efforts. Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication, including proofreading and editing. Creating content aligned with business objectives and strategies. Managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously. Abilities Ability to develop effective partnerships. Ability to develop and deploy policies governing IT internal and external communications, with leadership approval. Ability to manage and execute projects timely and effectively. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, sometimes under pressure and tight deadlines. Ability to respond quickly to crises, including cybersecurity incidents and public health emergencies. Ability to use Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, web CMS, and social media platforms. Ability to anticipate trends and develop innovative solutions to advance organizational communication goals. Ability to navigate ambiguity and adjust strategies to shifting priorities. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, IT, public administration, or related field. At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related discipline. Minimum 3 years in a leadership or management role. Additional Information Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Salary will be determined according to budget and HHSC HR Manual. Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Selected candidates must be willing to work from an HHS office in Austin, as designated by the hiring manager. Disclaimers This position is not a teleworking position. This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and the business needs. Other Information ADA accommodations available during the hiring process. Background checks may be required. HHSC uses E-Verify. Bring I-9 documentation on first day. Nearest Major Market: Austin #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Health and Human Services