Press Secretary

Position Description About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One. With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One's multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct's territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents. Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office Mission Precinct One: Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office, is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to: Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system. Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs. Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy. Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation. Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service. Role and Goal of Communications Division in Our Organization: The Communications Division of Comm Ellis' office develops and implements innovative and effective communications strategies and diverse content to advance our organizational mission. Key Responsibilities: Media strategy: Develop and execute proactive earned media strategies that advance OCRE's priorities and elevate Commissioner Ellis's leadership. Execution: Executes the Director's portfolio strategy day-to-day—owning pitches, reporter follow-ups, and first-wave rapid response within established frames and playbooks. Integrated communications: Build strategic plans that link earned media with digital and social media efforts to amplify content and reach diverse audiences. Media relations: Field incoming media inquiries while proactively pitching ~10 stories per week (with a goal of ~8 earned placements carrying our frame per month), cultivating relationships with local, state, and national reporters, and coordinating quarterly Houston Chronicle editorial board meetings, monthly media mixers, and pre-Commissioners Court reporter briefings. Writing & messaging: Draft and edit press releases, advisories, op-eds, talking points, and other press-facing materials that translate complex policy into compelling, accessible narratives. Spokesperson prep: Develop briefing materials, talking points, and speech support to prepare Commissioner Ellis for interviews and public appearances. Crisis communications: Support the Communications Director and Media Relations Director in managing rapid response and high-pressure communications moments, ensuring initial responses are delivered within 2 hours during business hours and 4 hours after hours, with clear escalation per the approval ladder. Collaboration: Align press strategy with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy; coordinate with digital/social to amplify coverage; collaborate to place stories in Spanish-language media. Team leadership: Provide mentorship and oversight for a small team of press and outreach strategists as the division expands. Media tracking: Monitor coverage, analyze impact, and provide reports and insights to the Communications Director and senior leadership to inform strategy Representation: Accompany the Commissioner to selected events, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support communications needs. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Requirements Education: Bachelor's or graduate degree in public affairs, communications, journalism, or English is preferred but not required. Equivalent work experience or certifications may also be considered. Experience: 3+ years of experience in communications, journalism, media relations, public relations, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proven success securing earned media and building and maintaining relationships with journalists. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex policy into accessible messages. Experience developing integrated press and social media strategies. Excellent judgment, focus, and work ethic, with the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Commitment to equity, justice, and the values of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and experience developing or executing communications related to equity and justice, including work that engages or serves communities of color 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. Preferences Experience serving as a spokesperson or managing crisis communications preferred. Government, campaign, or advocacy communications experience is a plus. Spanish fluency is also a plus. General Information About the Position The Press Secretary drives the day-to-day earned-media engine and executes a strategic coverage plan that advances the Commissioner's priorities. You translate policy into plain language, map beats, sequence pitches, and ensure our values show up consistently in headlines, leads, and quotes. You are the front line of rapid response, fielding inquiries, framing breaking developments, and coordinating first-wave outreach-while working closely with digital, creative, and community partners to ensure strong stories travel farther and faster. A typical week might include briefing the Commissioner for an editorial board meeting, pitching an exclusive tied to a policy roll out, coordinating community validators for a breaking issue, and syncing earned coverage with a web hub and social amplification. This role is ideal for a sharp, disciplined communicator who thrives in high-impact environments and wants to help build a modern public-sector communications operation. 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 GovernmentJobs.com