ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) – COMMUNICATIONS-Houston Public Works-The City of Houston

Salary

$125,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually

Location 

Houston

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

34812

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

Director's Office

Opening Date

08/25/2024

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

PN#34812 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - Communications Director

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY: 
Develops, implements, and continuously adapts a comprehensive communications strategy around Houston Public Works’ responsibilities, activities, and employees.  

• Provides vision for communications, marketing, and branding
• Works closely with Department Stakeholders, including Service Line outreach/engagement teams, to support cohesive messaging and branding
  • Collects and understands Service Line priorities
  • Integrates Service Line priorities into overall departmentwide priorities
  • Recommends implementation strategy, including considerations of internal and external resources
  • Defines roles, authority, and responsibility of Service Line outreach/engagement teams 
• Serves as the communications liaison between the Department and the Mayor’s Office and other City Departments
• Responsible for development and execution of media strategy across all media (i.e. press, social, broadcast, print, etc.) both proactive and responsive
• Develops strategy, policies, and procedures related to communications for external engagement, including the public, media, website, social media, etc., to include all Department functions and Service Line priorities
• Maintains active membership in state, regional, and national professional associations and organizations for communications, particularly public sector

NOTE: This requires development and maintenance of a strong relationship with Service Line Directors to understand both Department and Service Line priorities. Cultivates positive professional relationships to build cooperation, reach consensus, and defuse tension when introducing controversial projects or initiatives to the Department, City, and the public.

DAILY LEADERSHIP:
Directs and manages personnel in performing functions related to both internal and external communications of Houston Public Works.

• Represents the Department or City in a variety of internal/external settings, always promoting the organization in a positive way
• Oversees budget and fiscal management for the Communications Team
• Ability to adapt and manage change effectively
• Manages Department Reception area on 25th Floor
• Regularly reviews external and internal communications practices, procedures, and policies and develops or suggests revisions as needed
• Develops, implements, and monitors systems and procedures necessary to ensure effective and efficient operations within the team
• Evaluates Department and Service Line needs compared to internal resources and recommends implementation by employees (either in the Service Lines or within the Communications Team) or external resources
• Hires, supervises, trains, coaches, and develops employees to perform assigned job duties, including implementation of necessary discipline
• Defines job duties for employees within the Communications Team
• Develops HEAR plans and perform annual and scheduled evaluations with job duties for each individual employee
• Directs and reviews work performed by the Communications Team, as well as work prepared by Service Line outreach/engagement teams
• Supports preparation of Department presentations at Council, Council Committees, Public Meetings, etc.
• Supports preparation of Department publications such as Houston Water’s Consumer Confidence Report
• Supports Director with written material and interactive presentations for public speaking engagements, press conferences, interviews, video recordings, or article publications

EXETERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Directs and manages staff and activities to perform external communications.   Responsibilities include:

• Manages the Public Information Officer for the Department
• Facilitates Public Information requests for the Department
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the Department’s website, including content, ease of navigation, and clarity of information
• Social Media content development and maintenance
• Monitors media and social media for activities and prepare responses
• Provides guidance for external project-specific communications to carry 
• Departmentwide messaging and preserve brand identity
• Provides graphics support for presentations and publications
• Provides guidance for obtaining marketing and education materials for brand consistency

NOTE: External communications often has tight and/or time sensitive deadlines that could harm the reputation of the Department or City if not handled in a timely manner.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Directs and manages staff and activities to perform Internal Department Communications. Responsibilities include:

• Bi-weekly newsletter, including content ideas and development
• Provides support for Department presentations at meetings (i.e. Leadership Team) including PowerPoint and script development
• Facilitates general Department messaging and Culture/Transform initiatives using tools such as “In the Works” digital signage, posters, banners, training materials, etc.
• Develops, composes, and distributes standard forms, procedures, and policies for consistent and efficient communications

NOTE: Internal Communications may require interpreting confidential information into messaging that can be distributed without disclosing confidentiality. Ability to use tact and professionalism including in times of extreme stress.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(100% During Emergency Activation)

Manages all HPW efforts and staff related to the Joint Information Center at the Houston Emergency Operations Center. This requires working directly with other responding Departments such as Police, Fire, Health, etc. Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Handles inquiries from the media and elected officials – may be time sensitive requests needing immediate responses
• Prepares public information and messaging
• Monitors for Rumors, including Social Media, and responds in real time
• Media Relations
• Digital/Social Communications
• Monitors media and other sources of information of ongoing incident and 
• transmits relevant information to appropriate personnel.

If requested by Mayor’s Communications Office, performs these same functions as manager for the entire City Communications during emergency activation.

NOTES:
1) Requires physical onsite presence for assigned shift (possibly a varied schedule inclusive of evenings and weekends) and ability to report as assigned or stay onsite
2) Emergency Activations are high stress situations that require team updates and information sharing, decision making, and immediate action.  Delays in action may result in serious harm to people and property

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: 
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: 
Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a managerial capacity.

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants that possess:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Eight years of experience in communications, public relations, creative services, or a related field including three years of supervisory responsibility
• Experience in public relations, media relations, design / creative services and marketing principles, practices, and techniques
• Skills and abilities relating to advancing and understanding equitable communication and how the dissemination of information impacts historically marginalized communities 
• Ability to process information quickly and communicate complex issues in simple terms 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to develop and follow through on long-range plans while managing emerging news
• Sound decision-making, collaboration and team building skills
• Experience with crisis communication and ability to work during emergency operations
• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership to a diverse team

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:      Yes
All applicants will be expected to provide a professional writing sample.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:       No  
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
SALARY INFORMATION:                                                 
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in similar positions.

Pay Grade: 32
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6027.
 
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6027. (TTY 7-1-1)
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
 
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.