Communications Specialist
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
The Communications Specialist develops and executes communication strategies to promote the mission, values, and work of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. This role manages social media channels, coordinates responses to media inquiries, assists with mass internal communications, and oversees external communications to ensure accurate, timely, and compelling messaging. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller with a commitment to advancing public understanding of indigent defense and equity in the criminal legal system.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan, create, and publish engaging content for the office’s social media platforms.
- Monitor trends, track engagement metrics, and adjust strategy to increase reach and impact.
- Ensure consistent tone, branding, and alignment with office values.
- Serve as primary contact for media inquiries, coordinating responses in collaboration with leadership.
- Draft press releases, talking points, and public statements.
- Prepare staff for interviews and public appearances as needed.
- Develop newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and other materials to inform the public, candidates for employment, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Support public events, community outreach, and educational campaigns.
- Ensure messaging aligns with office priorities.
- Support internal communications, including assisting with maintaining the HCPDO intranet site, and drafting internal emails.
- Work with IT department to monitor and update the HCPDO website.
- Advise leadership on communications opportunities, risks, and best practices.
- Assist in crisis communications planning and response.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
-
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Or equivalent experience.
- At least three (3) years of experience in communications, public relations, or media.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with social media management tools, analytics platforms, and content creation software.
- Ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into clear, accessible messaging.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to work with sensitive information.
- Commitment to the mission of public defense, equity, and access to justice.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university preferred.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salary:
- Depends on Qualifications
-
Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the hiring committee.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com