Current SAWS Employees Only Director – Communications

San Antonio Water System•San Antonio, TX

19h

About The Position

The Director – Communications provides strategic leadership for San Antonio Water System’s (SAWS) external communications, media relations, digital communications, social media, and community outreach. The role develops and executes integrated communication strategies to strengthen public understanding, safeguard SAWS’ reputation, support organizational priorities, and ensure consistent, accessible messaging across channels. The Director leads communication initiatives and community outreach, partnering with departments and community stakeholders to expand awareness and engagement. The Director reports to the Senior Vice President-Communications & External Affairs. The role supervises personnel and manages team resources, budgets, contracts, and project priorities. It develops and implements external communication plans aligned with SAWS’ strategic objectives, evaluates effectiveness, and adjusts strategies using performance measures. The Director also works with executive leadership and departments to translate complex technical, operational, conservation, and customer-service information into clear, accurate communications. The position directs media relations, executive communications, crisis and incident communications, and SAWS’ social media strategy. It oversees integrated digital and traditional campaigns, editorial standards, production schedules, brand integrity, and communications supporting major SAWS initiatives. The Director collaborates across departments and with community, educational, and nonprofit partners on public awareness, outreach, affordability assistance, conservation, education, and customer participation initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field from a recognized accredited educational institution.
Eight years of progressively responsible experience in advertising, marketing, public relations, or journalism, including five years of experience supervising personnel.
Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
Working knowledge of social media management, website content, editorial production, analytics, and contemporary digital communications practices.
Excellent verbal and written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Proficiency with standard business, publishing, and presentation software.
Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, desktop publishing, and graphics software.
Ability to develop and administer an annual departmental budget in excess of $400,000.
Ability to work in biological and equipment-heavy environments and be prepared to discuss very technical issues.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, including photo and presentation equipment.
Ability to operate a company or personal vehicle regularly.
May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule, including nights and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies, writing and editing for diverse audiences, and managing media relations and complex projects.
Prior experience in negotiation and placement of advertising and news media pitching.
Prior experience writing, presenting, and developing creative communications.
Advanced degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field from a recognized accredited educational institution.
Experience in public utilities, public agencies, or other complex, high-visibility organizations.
Experience advising executive leadership, communicating technical or policy issues, and managing crisis communications.
Demonstrated success leading award-winning or measurable digital, social media, editorial, media relations, or public information initiatives.
Experience overseeing website redesigns or content migrations, search-optimized content, and digital quality assurance.
Experience developing public education, conservation, customer service, or community outreach campaigns.

Responsibilities

Supervise, select, develop, train, and evaluate personnel; manage team resources, budgets, contracts, and project priorities.
Manage creative and communication strategy contracts.
Develop and implement integrated external communications plans aligned with SAWS’ strategic objectives; evaluate effectiveness and adjust strategies using performance measures.
Partner with executive leadership and departments to translate complex technical, operational, conservation, and customer-service information into clear, accurate communications.
Lead cross-functional communications projects, manage competing deadlines, and coordinate outside agencies, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
Direct proactive and responsive media relations, including news releases, advisories, media briefings, editorial opportunities, talking points, and spokesperson preparation.
Build productive relationships with local, regional, national, and trade media; serve as a spokesperson as assigned.
Develop executive communications, speeches, briefing materials, and internal messaging for senior leadership.
Anticipate emerging issues and lead coordinated crisis and incident communications, including timely digital updates and reputation management.
Lead SAWS’ social media strategy, editorial planning, audience engagement, content governance, brand protection, and performance analysis across platforms.
Develop integrated digital and traditional campaigns using audience insights and analytics to improve reach, engagement, and customer understanding.
Maintain editorial standards, messaging consistency, and brand integrity across communications channels.
Coordinate editorial calendars, production schedules, agency deliverables, and communications supporting major SAWS initiatives.
Collaborate with Conservation, Education, Customer Experience, and other departments to communicate programs and encourage customer participation and behavior change.
Support public awareness and outreach for SAWS affordability assistance programs, including audience-focused messaging and partnerships with community and nonprofit organizations.
Build relationships with community leaders, educational partners, and stakeholders; support outreach events and public information initiatives.