
Overview
The Harris County Flood Control District seeks qualified candidates for the position of External Communications Manager. The role is responsible for developing and implementing external communication strategies and initiatives in support of the District’s mission, and for managing contract staff related to these functions. The District has jurisdiction over primary stormwater facilities in Harris County, including roughly 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles, more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins totaling over 10,000 acres, and several wetlands mitigation banks, including Greens Bayou. Essential Functions & Duties
Community Outreach & Public Engagement Develop and implement community outreach strategies to advance 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.
External Communications & Media Relations Develop and implement strategic efforts for external communications, including District-issued news releases, presentations, scripts, website content, media inquiries, and social media.
Serve as primary contact for media requests and develop/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 programs, including strategy, content development, promotion, guidelines, and related efforts to maximize positive press.
Assist with setting communications protocols on media relations, social media, and related areas; provide strategic oversight of all communications efforts related to the District’s work, including media relations, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, and public outreach.
Emergency & Rapid Response Mobilize as part of the District’s communications team during emergency response events, which may include extended on-site mobilization.
Leadership, Coordination & Oversight Conduct ongoing briefings with the Communications Division Director to share feedback, updates, issues, challenges, and results, and to identify proactive media opportunities and external communication initiatives.
Oversee contract staff on proactive media outreach, including planning, maintaining outreach lists, and briefings with key reporters.
Additional Responsibilities and Duties Attend and facilitate meetings with coordinating departments, public officials, vendors, and agencies, as directed.
Support media training of internal staff, as appropriate.
Take on additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the District’s evolving demands and objectives.
Compliance & Equal Opportunity
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. Education and Experience
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.
Licensure
Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are a plus.
Ability to communicate important organizational and project updates to peers and managers clearly and proactively.
Strong written, oral, and presentation skills; ability to edit others’ work constructively.
Ability to manage a crisis event and maintain composure to ensure effective communications strategies and messaging.
Understand and operate within District policy, goals, objectives, and limitations.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet changing deadlines, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.
Ability to manage and organize projects with attention to detail and high-quality work products.
Work independently with limited supervision and under public scrutiny.
Exercise good judgment, be self-motivated, take initiative, and adapt to change while managing risk and uncertainty.
Make independent judgments with potential impact on employees and the organization.
Lead a team within an office environment.
Read and comprehend written materials such as policies and procedures.
Ability to perform basic mathematical tasks needed in normal work situations.
Note
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications. Position Details
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: To be discussed at the interview
Location: 9900 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77092
Physical Demands & Environmental Exposure
The physical demands describe the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform these functions: Frequent sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents and related materials.
Frequent driving, standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods.
Occasional bending, lifting up to 15 pounds, and climbing stairs.
Indoor office environment with standard conditions; field locations may expose to heat, cold, moisture, pollution, wind, dust, wildlife, and insects.
Potential exposure to vibration/noise exceeding 85 decibels.
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 Department.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Harris County Flood Control District seeks qualified candidates for the position of External Communications Manager. The role is responsible for developing and implementing external communication strategies and initiatives in support of the District’s mission, and for managing contract staff related to these functions. The District has jurisdiction over primary stormwater facilities in Harris County, including roughly 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles, more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins totaling over 10,000 acres, and several wetlands mitigation banks, including Greens Bayou. Essential Functions & Duties
Community Outreach & Public Engagement Develop and implement community outreach strategies to advance 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.
External Communications & Media Relations Develop and implement strategic efforts for external communications, including District-issued news releases, presentations, scripts, website content, media inquiries, and social media.
Serve as primary contact for media requests and develop/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 programs, including strategy, content development, promotion, guidelines, and related efforts to maximize positive press.
Assist with setting communications protocols on media relations, social media, and related areas; provide strategic oversight of all communications efforts related to the District’s work, including media relations, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, and public outreach.
Emergency & Rapid Response Mobilize as part of the District’s communications team during emergency response events, which may include extended on-site mobilization.
Leadership, Coordination & Oversight Conduct ongoing briefings with the Communications Division Director to share feedback, updates, issues, challenges, and results, and to identify proactive media opportunities and external communication initiatives.
Oversee contract staff on proactive media outreach, including planning, maintaining outreach lists, and briefings with key reporters.
Additional Responsibilities and Duties Attend and facilitate meetings with coordinating departments, public officials, vendors, and agencies, as directed.
Support media training of internal staff, as appropriate.
Take on additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the District’s evolving demands and objectives.
Compliance & Equal Opportunity
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. Education and Experience
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.
Licensure
Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are a plus.
Ability to communicate important organizational and project updates to peers and managers clearly and proactively.
Strong written, oral, and presentation skills; ability to edit others’ work constructively.
Ability to manage a crisis event and maintain composure to ensure effective communications strategies and messaging.
Understand and operate within District policy, goals, objectives, and limitations.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet changing deadlines, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.
Ability to manage and organize projects with attention to detail and high-quality work products.
Work independently with limited supervision and under public scrutiny.
Exercise good judgment, be self-motivated, take initiative, and adapt to change while managing risk and uncertainty.
Make independent judgments with potential impact on employees and the organization.
Lead a team within an office environment.
Read and comprehend written materials such as policies and procedures.
Ability to perform basic mathematical tasks needed in normal work situations.
Note
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications. Position Details
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: To be discussed at the interview
Location: 9900 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77092
Physical Demands & Environmental Exposure
The physical demands describe the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform these functions: Frequent sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents and related materials.
Frequent driving, standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods.
Occasional bending, lifting up to 15 pounds, and climbing stairs.
Indoor office environment with standard conditions; field locations may expose to heat, cold, moisture, pollution, wind, dust, wildlife, and insects.
Potential exposure to vibration/noise exceeding 85 decibels.
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 Department.
#J-18808-Ljbffr