Community Relations Specialist

Department: Public Affairs

Reports To: Director of Communications

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (FLSA)

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Location: Houston, Texas (Hybrid), Galveston Island / Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) is a special-purpose district created by the Texas Legislature under S.B. 1160, 87th Regular Session, to serve as the non-federal sponsor for the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) and Coastal Texas (CTX) coastal storm risk management projects. Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a 65/35 federal-to-local cost-share, GCPD is responsible for managing nearly $1 billion in state appropriations and coordinating one of the largest coastal infrastructure programs in the nation, protecting millions of people and billions of dollars of assets along the Texas Gulf Coast.

GCPD is a small, high-impact organization with a lean professional staff. Every team member plays a meaningful role in delivering a historically significant public infrastructure program.

Position Summary:

GCPD seeks a Community Relations Specialist with a passion for building strong connections and fostering collaboration across Galveston County, Texas, specifically on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. As a trusted representative of our organization, the ideal candidate will excel at engaging diverse communities, creating meaningful partnerships, and promoting awareness of the Gulf Coast Protection District’s mission and the Coastal Texas Project—the largest coastal protection project in U.S. history.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in social settings, enjoys working with community organizations, and is enthusiastic about creating opportunities for dialogue and participation. The position involves attending community events, hosting informational sessions, and ensuring residents and local groups are informed, engaged, and responded to.

Travel Required: Must be able to attend events in Galveston County, TX, often after hours or on weekends. Mileage is reimbursable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and community groups.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives that educate and involve residents in coastal protection efforts.
• Stay informed about community needs and concerns to help shape engagement strategies.

Public Events & Education

• Organize and participate in community meetings, town halls, and informational sessions in collaboration with partners such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office.
• Represent the organization at local events, fairs, and civic gatherings to share project updates and gather feedback.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging and ensure consistent public communication across all Coastal Texas Project components.
• Interface with GCPD leadership and the Board of Directors by preparing reports and presentations on community engagement activities and outcomes.
• Interface with local media outlets and serve as a spokesperson when appropriate, ensuring consistent and positive messaging.

Content Development :

• Contribute to District communications efforts by submitting materials (e.g., newsletter articles, press releases, social media content, Op-Eds, and headline hook graphics) that highlight GCPD activities.
• Assist with GCPD social media by taking photos, videos, and creating engaging content from the community events attended.

Qualifications:

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, or a related field. Or 5+ years’ experience in a government relations or community relations role in lieu of education.
• Experience : 5 – 7 years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, or a similar role.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong understanding of local political landscapes and community dynamics.
• Comfortable speaking in public and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend events.
• Experience contributing to or managing an organization’s social media presence.

Preferred Traits:

• Charismatic and approachable personality.
• Strategic thinker with a knack for navigating complex social and political environments.
• Passionate about community development and civic engagement.

Conditions of Employment

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, including criminal history, employment verification, and education verification.
• Pursuant to Section 9502.0203(b), Texas Special District Local Laws Code, an individual may not be employed by the District if, within the preceding 24 months, the individual had an interest in, was employed by, or was affiliated with a person who submitted a bid or entered into a contract for a District project.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must maintain reliable transportation; occasional travel may be required.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits through TCDRS (Texas County and District Retirement System).
• Group life insurance.
• Paid holidays per fiscal year.
• Paid vacation and sick leave accruing from date of hire.
• Paid parental leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

The Gulf Coast Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. GCPD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.