Director of Communications

Harris County•Houston, TX

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in government, public sector communications, or working for an elected official is highly desirable.
Experience with crisis communications planning and execution is strongly preferred
Experience 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.
A master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field is preferred.

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.