University Spokesperson

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. With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. 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. 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, 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. 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.

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.

The Communications Division of Comm Ellis' office develops and implements innovative and effective communications strategies and diverse content to advance our organizational mission.

Integrated communications: Build strategic plans that link earned media with digital and social media efforts to amplify content and reach diverse audiences.

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.

Align press strategy with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy; coordinate with digital/social to amplify coverage; collaborate to place stories in Spanish-language media.

Provide mentorship and oversight for a small team of press and outreach strategists as the division expands.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. "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 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.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.