Public Information & Media Relations Officer

City of Sugar Land•2700 Town Center Blvd Sugar Land, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a full-time Public Information & Media Relations Officer in the Communication & Community Engagement Department. As the Public Information & Media Relations Officer, you'll help tell Sugar Land’s story, build meaningful connections with the community and media, and keep residents informed when it matters most. Bring your creativity, strategic thinking, and passion for communication to a role where your voice can make a difference! Our trailblazing culture focuses on our employees, our citizens and the services we provide to our community. We are a data-driven and innovative full-service municipality located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston that invests in our team and offers real opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing, English, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Equivalent combinations of education and progressively responsible experience may be considered.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, media relations communications, journalism, public affairs, emergency communications, or a closely related field.
Valid Texas Driver License.
FEMA Basic Public Information Officer Certification (or ability to obtain within one year of hire).

Nice To Haves

Experience working in local government or another public sector organization is preferred.
Experience serving as a Public Information Officer during emergencies, incidents, or crisis situations is highly desirable.
Experience developing strategic communications plans, media strategies, executive communications, and digital communications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the City's primary spokesperson and lead Public Information Officer (PIO), managing media relations and serving as the official point of contact for media inquiries.
Develop and execute proactive communications strategies, messaging plans, media outreach, and executive communications that support City priorities, initiatives, and organizational goals.
Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership, department directors, and subject matter experts on media relations, crisis communications, public messaging, and community engagement.
Develop and maintain proactive media relationships by identifying, pitching, and coordinating news stories with departments across the City that showcase City services, initiatives, projects, accomplishments, and community impact.
Lead crisis and emergency communications, including serving within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), coordinating with partner agencies, and developing timely public safety messaging during critical incidents.
Write and oversee high-quality communications materials, including news releases, speeches, talking points, website content, public notices, executive correspondence, and other public-facing communications.
Prepare and coach City leadership and subject matter experts for media interviews, press conferences, public presentations, and community meetings while building strong relationships with media and community stakeholders.
Monitor media coverage, digital platforms, and public sentiment to identify emerging issues, manage reputational risks, and develop proactive communications that enhance public awareness, transparency, and trust.
Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of this position.
Required to work as an essential employee before, during and after an emergency or disaster, whether natural or acts of war.
Stay abreast of, and comply with, all City and departmental policies and procedures.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Assistant Director and/or their designee(s).

Benefits

City-subsidized health benefits
life and disability insurance
a variety of voluntary benefits
a robust pension plan with TMRS to set you up for a fulfilling retirement
a down-to-earth casual environment and dress code
a positive team-oriented culture stemming from a long-term commitment to innovation and inclusion
City-subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options
City-paid Basic Life Insurance @ 1x your annual salary and Long-term Disability
Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage (for you and your family), Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization and Critical Illness, Short Term Disability and pre-paid legal benefits through Legal Shield
9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays to use at your discretion
A generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1
Paid sick leave
Paid Parental Leave
A robust pension plan with TMRS includes your 7% contribution with 2:1 match by the City
You won’t contribute to Social Security, but you can further your retirement income by contributing to a Deferred Compensation (457b) plan
Longevity pay for each month of service after your first 13 months of employment
On-site Wellness facilities and programming (mind, body spirit & financial preparedness)
Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources, including a robust EAP