Director of Communications

Director Of CommunicationsThe Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office (HCTO) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Communications to lead and manage all communications efforts. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director serves as HCTO's senior communications professional responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy for the HCTO. This position oversees all communications functions, including media relations, digital communications, content creation, written communications, crisis communications, and brand management. The Director supervises a team communications staff and advises senior leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and must exercise expert independent judgment on time-sensitive, high-visibility, and politically sensitive communications decisions.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive, integrated communications strategy for HCTO, encompassing all communications, media relations, digital and social media, content production, and public awareness.Develop and execute crisis communications plans, managing HCTO's response to emergencies by creating comprehensive crisis plans and delivering clear communications under tight deadlines.Advise the Tax Assessor and senior leadership on communications strategy, messaging, media dynamics, and implications of organizational decisions.Draft and edit high-quality written communications including press releases, media advisories, public statements, op-eds, speeches, talking points, fact sheets, letters, and constituent correspondence.Directly supervise the Communications team providing performance management, editorial guidance, workload direction, and professional development.Develop and maintain HCTO's communications brand standards, including visual identity guidelines, messaging frameworks, editorial style standards, and tone of voice guidelines.Lead the planning and execution of HCTO's digital communications presence, overseeing website content, social media channels, email communications, and digital content calendar.Coordinate communications for major office initiatives, public announcements, election cycles, and legislative developments, ensuring consistent, timely, and effective public information.Oversee the development and production of public-facing materials including publications, brochures, annual reports, infographics, videos, and other print and digital content.Monitor news coverage and trends to keep leadership informed and proactively identify risks, capture opportunities, and shape communication strategies.Establish editorial calendars, content planning processes, and communications workflow systems to ensure consistent, coordinated, and high-quality output across all channels.Serve as HCTO's spokesperson or coordinate spokesperson functions.Ensure all communications activities comply with applicable Harris County policies, Texas public information laws, and applicable state and federal regulations.Perform other duties as assigned.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.RequirementsEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public affairs, public relations, or a closely related field is required.At least five (5) years of experience in communications, media relations, public relations, journalism, and/or marketing, with at least three (3) years in a leadership or director-level role.Experience in government, public sector communications, or working for an elected official is highly desirable.Demonstrated experience as a media relations professional or spokesperson in a government, public sector, or high-profile organizational environment is required.Demonstrated expertise in digital communications, social media strategy, and digital content production is required.Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:Leadership and Team Management: Proven skill in guiding, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams; ability to foster a collaborative and results-driven environment. Skilled in staff development, performance management, and cultivating a high-performance work environment.Media Relations Expertise: Proven experience in cultivating relationships with media professionals and outlets. Ability to generate positive press coverage, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate high-level media events.Social Media Strategy: Expertise in managing social media platforms and campaigns. Ability to create compelling content that engages audiences, promotes transparency, and increases public awareness of the office's services and initiatives.Brand Messaging and Public Relations: Ability to craft and execute clear and effective branding strategies. Experience creating public-facing messages that align with the office's objectives and resonate with diverse audiences.Crisis Management and Reputation Protection: Strong skills in handling crisis communications and managing public relations challenges, including sensitive issues and/or media scrutiny.Excellent Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills. Experience in writing press releases, speeches, social media posts, and other communication materials that are clear, concise, and compelling.Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically about the role of external communications in achieving organizational goals and enhancing the office's public profile.Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to navigate and lead through change while remaining flexible and effective under pressure; proactive, self-motivated, and mission-driven.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.PreferencesExperience:Experience with crisis communications planning and execution is strongly preferredExperience as a communications director or senior communications professional in a Texas local government or county agency.Established relationships with Houston-area media organizations and journalists.Experience with Spanish-language media or multicultural communications strategies.Education:A master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field is preferred.General InformationWORKING CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Availability outside standard business hours during breaking news events, crises, elections, and major public announcements is required. Some local travel for press events and media engagements is required.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to sit for extended periods, operate standard office and communications equipment, and travel to off-site media and press events.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.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