Salary:
$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually Location :
Houston, TX Job Type:
Regular Full-time Job Number:
16104 Department:
Commissioner Precinct 1 Division:
Communications Opening Date:
01/16/2026 Closing Date:
3/30/2026 11:59 PM Central Max Number of Applicants:
200
Position Description About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis serves Harris County, the largest county in Texas and the third largest in the United States. In a fast-moving policy environment, our decisions shape statewide and national conversations on democracy, justice, health, climate resilience, and economic dignity.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis is a nationally respected leader with a decades-long record of advancing civil rights, justice, and equity in Texas. Alongside a strategic leadership team, an expert policy division, and a community affairs team with deep ties across the county, we're building one of the most sophisticated and values-driven communications shops in local government.
Our communications operation integrates narrative, press, digital, and creative into a unified engine that meets the moment, moves public organizing, and delivers results for the people we serve. We hold high standards and provide high support, offering candid feedback, teamwork without ego, strategic thinking, calm decision-making, and a shared commitment to human dignity and public service.
If you want to do work that leaves a mark-on your career, on this country, and on issues that shape our future-you belong here. We recruit nationally; relocation to Houston is required.
Why Harris County Harris County is the third-largest county in the United States and one of the most diverse communities in the nation. What happens here often shapes statewide and national conversations-from voting rights and public health to climate resilience and economic justice. Serving Harris County means working at scale, under real scrutiny, with real consequences for millions of residents. The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis operates at the intersection of policy, community, and national relevance-offering communications professionals an opportunity to do serious, values-driven public service work that travels far beyond local headlines.
About the Position You are the office's principal writer-the person who turns complex policy and lived experience into clear, human stories in Commissioner Ellis's voice. As Narrative Advisor & Writer, you plan and produce the high-stakes pieces that set the tone for everything else: major speeches and remarks, op-eds, flagship web pages, mailers, emails, video scripts, and long-form features that show what changed, who benefits, and how residents can act.
You work hand-in-hand with the Director of Narrative Strategy to carry the big idea through every draft. You gather proof points with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy, shape crisp arcs with memorable lines, and deliver clean copy under deadline. You also package approved text so it travels-quotes and talking points for press, a 150-300-word newsroom/email item, and short captions or threads for social-keeping language consistent across channels without stepping on lane owners.
In a typical week, you might build a keynote from scratch, sharpen talking points for a fast briefing, file an op-ed that advances the frame, and stand up a concise explainer for web and email. Throughout, you write in plain language, bake in accessibility, and coordinate timely Spanish versions for priority items-so our work is credible, usable, and worthy of the people we serve.
Key Responsibilities Signature speeches & remarks:
Draft and edit keynote speeches, remarks for key public events, statements, and op-eds. Deliver clean, on-voice drafts with a clear arc, proof points, and a concrete call to action.
Voice & narrative alignment:
Carry the annual narrative and quarterly message maps from the Director of Narrative Strategy. Keep tone, cadence, and key lines consistent; tailor for audience and medium.
End-to-end speechmaking:
Run the full speech process-intake, research, interviews, outline, drafting, revisions-and align with run-of-show. Craft memorable opens/closes and quotable lines.
Research & proof points:
Partner with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy to source data, examples, and resident-friendly metrics. Maintain a living bank of stories, stats, and citations.
Scripts, toolkits & explainers:
Write scripts for short video/explainers. Produce partner toolkits (key lines, sample posts, talking points) and concise issue explainers or case studies as needed.
Make copy travel (channel kits):
Package approved text so other lanes can deploy it-pull-quotes, 1-2 social captions, a 150-300-word newsroom/email item, and a 60-second script-without changing the frame.
Cross-lane adaptations (clear boundaries):
Press: Assist the Media Relations Director and Press Secretary on releases/advisories/kits as needed (stay within the approved frame). Digital: Work with the Digital Director to adapt copy for web/email and provide social captions/threads when helpful. Creative: Coordinate with the Creative Director on lower-thirds, graphic text, and print layout language.
Rapid-response writing:
Produce fast, accurate lines and short statements during high-velocity moments in coordination with Media Relations and Narrative Strategy.
Accessibility & language access:
Write in plain language; include accessibility notes (alt text, captions, readability) and coordinate on-time Spanish versions for priority items through County services or trusted partners.
Mentorship & standards:
Provide line-edits and coaching to junior writers/interns. Share templates, checklists, and craft tips that raise clarity and consistency across the team.
Campaign ownership:
Plan and deliver discrete content packages (e.g., issue explainer + web hub + email + social set + toolkit). Manage timelines, approvals, and version control; keep stakeholders current.
Strategic support:
Help the Director of Narrative Strategy with message briefs, updates to the message map and counters, and leadership prep materials.
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
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:
Bachelor's or graduate degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Journalism, or English is preferred but not required.
Equivalent work experience or certifications may also be considered.
Experience:
5-8+ years of professional writing in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs, with a portfolio that includes major speeches, op-eds, long-form features, and web/email/mailer samples. Proven ability to ghostwrite in a principal's voice and translate complex policy into plain-language, human-centered stories. Expert editor with strong structure; comfortable giving and receiving fast, substantive edits. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Rigorous research discipline: interviews, source vetting, fact-checking, and building proof-point packets with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy (CAA). Cross-functional collaborator with Media Relations, Digital, and Creative; steady judgment under deadline pressure and in rapid-response moments. Fluent at adapting one core idea across channels (press, speeches, web/email, social, print) without losing clarity or voice. Commitment to equity, justice, and the values of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and experience developing or executing communications related to equity and justice, including work that engages or serves communities of color. Commitment to equity, plain language, accessibility, and language inclusion; experience working with translators or translation services. Strong project management: version control, approvals, and juggling multiple deadlines with clear, calm communication.
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
Spanish proficiency a plus Government, campaign, or advocacy experience in a diverse urban context is a plus Houston/Harris County familiarity helpful but not required General Information This is a full-time position offering a competitive yearly salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive benefits, including relocation assistance; and opportunities for professional growth. Some evenings and weekends are required. 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.
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: 01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
High School or GED diploma Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher None of the above
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
Public Affairs Communications Journalism English Other related field Unrelated field N/A; No degree
03
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs. 04
In which of the following areas do you have demonstrated experience in professional writing?Select all that apply.Qualifying experience must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
Strategic communications Journalism Speechwriting Public affairs Other None of the above
05
Which of the following best measures your professional writing experience in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs.Qualifying information must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
Less than three full years Between three and five years Between five and eight years Eight or more years N/A; No experience
06
Please provide details of your professional writing experience in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs. Please provide a detailed response as attachments will not be reviewed during the initial screening process.If you do not have this experience, type "None" in the space provided. 07
Which of the following certifications have you previously obtained? Select all that apply.Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.
Certified Media Relations Specialist (CMRS) Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Other similar certification None of the above
08
Does your work history include previous communications or public relations experience within Harris County or the City of Houston?
Yes No
09
Do you have government, campaign, or advocacy experience in a diverse urban setting?
Yes No
10
If you answered Yes in response to the previous question, please provide details in the space provided below.If you do not have this experience, type "None" in the space provided below. 11
Are you bilingual in both fluent Spanish and English?
Yes No
Required Question
$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually Location :
Houston, TX Job Type:
Regular Full-time Job Number:
16104 Department:
Commissioner Precinct 1 Division:
Communications Opening Date:
01/16/2026 Closing Date:
3/30/2026 11:59 PM Central Max Number of Applicants:
200
Position Description About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis serves Harris County, the largest county in Texas and the third largest in the United States. In a fast-moving policy environment, our decisions shape statewide and national conversations on democracy, justice, health, climate resilience, and economic dignity.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis is a nationally respected leader with a decades-long record of advancing civil rights, justice, and equity in Texas. Alongside a strategic leadership team, an expert policy division, and a community affairs team with deep ties across the county, we're building one of the most sophisticated and values-driven communications shops in local government.
Our communications operation integrates narrative, press, digital, and creative into a unified engine that meets the moment, moves public organizing, and delivers results for the people we serve. We hold high standards and provide high support, offering candid feedback, teamwork without ego, strategic thinking, calm decision-making, and a shared commitment to human dignity and public service.
If you want to do work that leaves a mark-on your career, on this country, and on issues that shape our future-you belong here. We recruit nationally; relocation to Houston is required.
Why Harris County Harris County is the third-largest county in the United States and one of the most diverse communities in the nation. What happens here often shapes statewide and national conversations-from voting rights and public health to climate resilience and economic justice. Serving Harris County means working at scale, under real scrutiny, with real consequences for millions of residents. The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis operates at the intersection of policy, community, and national relevance-offering communications professionals an opportunity to do serious, values-driven public service work that travels far beyond local headlines.
About the Position You are the office's principal writer-the person who turns complex policy and lived experience into clear, human stories in Commissioner Ellis's voice. As Narrative Advisor & Writer, you plan and produce the high-stakes pieces that set the tone for everything else: major speeches and remarks, op-eds, flagship web pages, mailers, emails, video scripts, and long-form features that show what changed, who benefits, and how residents can act.
You work hand-in-hand with the Director of Narrative Strategy to carry the big idea through every draft. You gather proof points with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy, shape crisp arcs with memorable lines, and deliver clean copy under deadline. You also package approved text so it travels-quotes and talking points for press, a 150-300-word newsroom/email item, and short captions or threads for social-keeping language consistent across channels without stepping on lane owners.
In a typical week, you might build a keynote from scratch, sharpen talking points for a fast briefing, file an op-ed that advances the frame, and stand up a concise explainer for web and email. Throughout, you write in plain language, bake in accessibility, and coordinate timely Spanish versions for priority items-so our work is credible, usable, and worthy of the people we serve.
Key Responsibilities Signature speeches & remarks:
Draft and edit keynote speeches, remarks for key public events, statements, and op-eds. Deliver clean, on-voice drafts with a clear arc, proof points, and a concrete call to action.
Voice & narrative alignment:
Carry the annual narrative and quarterly message maps from the Director of Narrative Strategy. Keep tone, cadence, and key lines consistent; tailor for audience and medium.
End-to-end speechmaking:
Run the full speech process-intake, research, interviews, outline, drafting, revisions-and align with run-of-show. Craft memorable opens/closes and quotable lines.
Research & proof points:
Partner with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy to source data, examples, and resident-friendly metrics. Maintain a living bank of stories, stats, and citations.
Scripts, toolkits & explainers:
Write scripts for short video/explainers. Produce partner toolkits (key lines, sample posts, talking points) and concise issue explainers or case studies as needed.
Make copy travel (channel kits):
Package approved text so other lanes can deploy it-pull-quotes, 1-2 social captions, a 150-300-word newsroom/email item, and a 60-second script-without changing the frame.
Cross-lane adaptations (clear boundaries):
Press: Assist the Media Relations Director and Press Secretary on releases/advisories/kits as needed (stay within the approved frame). Digital: Work with the Digital Director to adapt copy for web/email and provide social captions/threads when helpful. Creative: Coordinate with the Creative Director on lower-thirds, graphic text, and print layout language.
Rapid-response writing:
Produce fast, accurate lines and short statements during high-velocity moments in coordination with Media Relations and Narrative Strategy.
Accessibility & language access:
Write in plain language; include accessibility notes (alt text, captions, readability) and coordinate on-time Spanish versions for priority items through County services or trusted partners.
Mentorship & standards:
Provide line-edits and coaching to junior writers/interns. Share templates, checklists, and craft tips that raise clarity and consistency across the team.
Campaign ownership:
Plan and deliver discrete content packages (e.g., issue explainer + web hub + email + social set + toolkit). Manage timelines, approvals, and version control; keep stakeholders current.
Strategic support:
Help the Director of Narrative Strategy with message briefs, updates to the message map and counters, and leadership prep materials.
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
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:
Bachelor's or graduate degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Journalism, or English is preferred but not required.
Equivalent work experience or certifications may also be considered.
Experience:
5-8+ years of professional writing in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs, with a portfolio that includes major speeches, op-eds, long-form features, and web/email/mailer samples. Proven ability to ghostwrite in a principal's voice and translate complex policy into plain-language, human-centered stories. Expert editor with strong structure; comfortable giving and receiving fast, substantive edits. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Rigorous research discipline: interviews, source vetting, fact-checking, and building proof-point packets with Policy and Community Affairs & Advocacy (CAA). Cross-functional collaborator with Media Relations, Digital, and Creative; steady judgment under deadline pressure and in rapid-response moments. Fluent at adapting one core idea across channels (press, speeches, web/email, social, print) without losing clarity or voice. Commitment to equity, justice, and the values of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and experience developing or executing communications related to equity and justice, including work that engages or serves communities of color. Commitment to equity, plain language, accessibility, and language inclusion; experience working with translators or translation services. Strong project management: version control, approvals, and juggling multiple deadlines with clear, calm communication.
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
Spanish proficiency a plus Government, campaign, or advocacy experience in a diverse urban context is a plus Houston/Harris County familiarity helpful but not required General Information This is a full-time position offering a competitive yearly salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive benefits, including relocation assistance; and opportunities for professional growth. Some evenings and weekends are required. 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.
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: 01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
High School or GED diploma Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher None of the above
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
Public Affairs Communications Journalism English Other related field Unrelated field N/A; No degree
03
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs. 04
In which of the following areas do you have demonstrated experience in professional writing?Select all that apply.Qualifying experience must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
Strategic communications Journalism Speechwriting Public affairs Other None of the above
05
Which of the following best measures your professional writing experience in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs.Qualifying information must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
Less than three full years Between three and five years Between five and eight years Eight or more years N/A; No experience
06
Please provide details of your professional writing experience in strategic communications, journalism, speechwriting, or public affairs. Please provide a detailed response as attachments will not be reviewed during the initial screening process.If you do not have this experience, type "None" in the space provided. 07
Which of the following certifications have you previously obtained? Select all that apply.Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.
Certified Media Relations Specialist (CMRS) Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Other similar certification None of the above
08
Does your work history include previous communications or public relations experience within Harris County or the City of Houston?
Yes No
09
Do you have government, campaign, or advocacy experience in a diverse urban setting?
Yes No
10
If you answered Yes in response to the previous question, please provide details in the space provided below.If you do not have this experience, type "None" in the space provided below. 11
Are you bilingual in both fluent Spanish and English?
Yes No
Required Question