Communications Marketing Specialist III

Position Description

Under the guidance of leadership, the Communications & Media Specialist develops written, visual, and digital content for websites, email, social media, and community-facing platforms. This position supports county-wide operations serving approximately 5 million residents and 20,000 employees across 80 departments by promoting the Office of the Purchasing Agent's services, initiatives, vendor relations efforts, and outreach objectives. The role creates clear, engaging content that aligns with required branding and style standards, supports community and stakeholder engagement, and strengthens awareness of Purchasing programs and opportunities throughout Harris County. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures while exercising strong communication, diplomacy, and judgment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develops written, visual, and digital content for Purchasing platforms and outreach channels, including website updates, newsletters, social media, promotional materials, event support materials, photography, videography, and short-form video that promote department services, initiatives, and public engagement.
• Represents the Office of the Purchasing Agent at community events, vendor functions, departmental meet and greets, outreach activities, and County engagements to strengthen public awareness, support relationship building, and promote Purchasing services and initiatives.
• Plans, coordinates, and supports vendor outreach events, community-facing functions, internal engagement efforts, and cross-department activities, including event preparation, stakeholder coordination, on-site support, follow-up communication, and content capture.
• Coordinates with internal departments, the Press Office, Communications, vendors, and external stakeholders to ensure messaging aligns with County priorities, department goals, branding standards, and the operational needs of Harris County Purchasing.
• Promotes Harris County objectives through outreach, communications, event support, and public-facing materials that broaden awareness of procurement opportunities and encourage inclusive participation in vendor and community engagement activities.
• Monitors communication needs, social media activity, audience engagement, and current content opportunities to recommend ideas, maintain accessible and ADA-conscious messaging, provide responsive customer service, and manage multiple assignments and frequent off-site outreach activity.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Media, Public Administration, or a directly related field required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in communications, social media management, digital content creation, public outreach, event support, photography, videography, or community-facing engagement required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Applies strong written and visual communication skills to create engaging content for Purchasing platforms and outreach channels, such as website updates, newsletters, social media, promotional materials, event support materials, photography, videography, and short-form video.
• Demonstrates proficiency in digital media production, attention to detail, and the ability to tailor messaging to promote department services, initiatives, and enhance public engagement.
• Effectively manages multiple projects, utilizes creative abilities, and adapts content to meet branding standards and accessibility requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain attention to detail, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

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 the information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

Preferences

• Procurement experience and contract compliance is preferred.
• Progressively responsible experience in communications, media support, vendor outreach, community engagement, or public-facing content development preferred.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Location: Harris County Purchasing Office Building

1111 Fannin St 12th Floor | Houston, TX 77002

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Harris County Employee Benefits

Harris 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 Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement 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: