Harris County · 16 hours ago
External Communications Manager
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expHarris County Flood Control District is dedicated to reducing flooding risks in the area, and they are seeking an External Communications Manager. This role involves developing and implementing communication strategies to enhance public awareness and engagement regarding flooding risks and District projects.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Develop and implement community outreach strategies to further the District’s mission and reputation and to promote public/media education and awareness of flooding risks, improvements, and projects
Assist with updates to standard external communication procedures and public engagement plans for implementation before, during, and after flood events
Develop and implement strategic efforts for a broad range of external communications, including District-issued new releases, presentations, and scripts, writing content for the website, media inquiries, social media, etc
Serve as primary contact for media requests, develop and/or update key messages on District activities and projects for public queries and media interviews
Serve as point of contact for rapid response and reactive media inquiries, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and spokespersons
Manage the District’s media efforts and programs, including strategy, content development, promotion, guidelines, and other relevant efforts to maximize positive press
Assist with setting communications protocols on media relations, social media, etc., and provide strategic oversight of all communications efforts related to the District and its work, including media relations, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, public affairs/outreach, and others
Mobilize as an integral part of the District’s communications team during emergency response events, which may include extended periods of on-site mobilization
Conduct ongoing briefings with Communications Division Director to share feedback, updates, issues, challenges, and results, to identify and pursue proactive media opportunities and external communication initiatives
Oversee contract staff on proactive media outreach, including planning, maintaining outreach list, and briefings with key reporters
Attend and facilitate meetings with coordinating departments, public officials, vendors, and agencies, as directed
Responsible for supporting media training of internal staff, as appropriate
Assume additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the District's evolving demands, responsibilities, needs, and objectives
Qualification
Required
Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably in communications or public relations
Requires ten years of progressively responsible, verifiable professional experience in communications, public relations, public advocacy, or a similar field
Strong background in writing and content development
Experience in executing and implementing complex, high-profile projects in a fast-paced environment
Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License
Excellent communication skills, including writing, presentation, and grammar
Understanding and experience serving in incident command/emergency operations center activations
Fluent in Associated Press (AP) style
Working knowledge of government agencies and their governing bodies
Communicate important organizational and project updates to peers and managers clearly and proactively
Communicate through superior written, oral, and presentation skills and constructively edit others' work
Ability to manage a crisis event and remain composed to ensure adequate communications strategies and messaging are implemented
Understand and operate, within and in support of District policy, goals, objectives, and limitations
Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet changing and multiple deadlines, prioritize, and work on multiple projects simultaneously
Manage and organize projects and initiatives with strong attention to detail and excellent work products
Work independently with limited supervision, relative autonomy, and general review, under pressure and public scrutiny
Exercise good judgment, be self-motivated, take initiative, be flexible, adapt well to change, and manage risk and uncertainty with poise
Make independent judgments that could have a significant impact on employees and/or the organization
Manage and lead a team within an office environment
Read/comprehend written materials, e.g., policies, procedures, operating instructions, and safety notices
Solve simple mathematical problems that may be required in normal work situations
Preferred
Experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson preferred
Company
Harris County
Harris County focuses on transportation, public health, housing, justice and safety, the environment, and other issues.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Craig B Atkins, CPA
CFO / Director of Financial Services
Araceli "Chely" Chojnacki
Front Receiving COORDINATOR
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