Chief of Public Affairs & Communications

Houston Independent School District • Houston, TX

110d • $215,000 - $255,000

About The Position

The Chief of Public Affairs & Communications is responsible for setting the strategic vision and direction for HISD’s communications, public affairs, board engagement, media relations, and community/family partnerships. This role leads efforts to ensure the district’s transformation is effectively communicated, public trust is strengthened, and families and community partners are engaged as co-creators of student success. They serve as a cabinet-level leader and trusted advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Managers, and District leadership. The Chief oversees a portfolio that includes external and internal communications, media relations, board engagement, community and family partnerships, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of urban education, and the ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships across diverse stakeholders to advance HISD’s mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy/Administration, Education Leadership, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in communications, public affairs, media, or stakeholder engagement, preferably in a large, urban school district or similarly complex organization.
• Proven experience managing high-performing teams and leading change in complex systems.
• Expert knowledge of urban education, HISD systems, and change management in complex environments.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to equity, including demonstrated urgency to close achievement gaps and drive equitable opportunities for all students.
• A successful record leading effective teams and individuals, managing organizational change, setting and achieving ambitious goals, and initiating key innovations.
• Ability to lead difficult conversations, negotiate and build consensus, and influence outcomes benefiting students and families.
• Integrity, high standards of accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and modern communications platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal communications advisor and spokesperson for the district, setting and leading the strategic direction for all communications, engagement, and public affairs functions.
• Guide, mentor, and supervise the Deputy Chiefs of Communications, Public Affairs & Board Engagement, and Community & Family Partnerships, promoting collaboration towards shared district goals.
• Lead the design, implementation, and assessment of district-wide communication strategies, including media relations, emergency communications, community engagement events, and board outreach.
• Oversee the development of communication materials and platforms, including website, Parent Square, press releases, presentations, e-blasts, and engagement collateral, always ensuring clarity, consistency, and strategic alignment.
• Direct stakeholder engagement and outreach, building strategic partnerships with families, community leaders, faith organizations, nonprofits, and business partners to support student learning and transformation initiatives.
• Integrate systems to gather, analyze, and respond to stakeholder insights, mobilizing feedback loops with parents, staff, and community partners for district improvement.
• Represent the district in public forums, executive briefings, board meetings, and high-level negotiations with top management and external entities.
• Lead the crisis communications function, maintaining plans and templates for rapid, coordinated response in emergencies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, equity, innovation, and continuous improvement across all teams and initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree