DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston, through its Houston Health Department, seeks a strategic Chief Communications Officer to lead departmental communications, shaping messaging, public information and engagement. The role oversees media relations, digital strategy, brand management, and crisis response to ensure accurate, timely information and alignment with city priorities.

The position reports to the Chief of Staff, requires strong leadership, and will coordinate communications across internal and external

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity.
• A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all communications functions, including media relations, digital strategy, written communications, content development, and crisis response.
• Represent the Houston Health Department at press events, public meetings, civic and council sessions, and community engagements.
• Serve as the department's primary public information officer, relaying information, promoting publicity and fielding questions for all public/media related activities.
• Monitor public feedback, media reporting, and emerging issues to inform communication decisions and enhance community engagement.
• Coordinate crisis and emergency communications, serving as a key advisor to senior leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, government officials, and media to support effective communication.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans and narrative frameworks that support long term departmental and City initiatives.
• Oversee departmental brand management to ensure a consistent visual and narrative identity across materials.
• Direct internal communications to ensure staff receive timely and accurate information.

Job description

Position Overview

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM:

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION:

CHIEF OF STAFF

REPORTING LOCATION:

8000 N. STADIUM

WORKDAYS & HOURS:

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

Description Of Duties/ Essential Functions

The Houston Health Department (HHD) seeks an experienced, strategic Chief Communications Officer to lead departmental communications. This leader provides high level direction to ensure transparent, effective public messaging, responsible stewardship of information, and alignment with organizational priorities. This role strengthens HHD’s mission by shaping communication strategy, enhancing public engagement, and building trust in the department’s public health programs and services.

The key role oversees media relations, digital communications, public information, internal messaging, content development, brand management, and crisis response to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely communication to internal and external audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all communications functions, including media relations, digital strategy, written communications, content development, and crisis response.
• Represent the Houston Health Department at press events, public meetings, civic and council sessions, and community engagements.
• Serve as the department's primary public information officer, relaying information, promoting publicity and fielding questions for all public/media related activities.
• Manage daily public information operations, including oversight of staff responsible for research, statistical and historical data compilation, and response coordination.
• Prepare and oversee distribution of media responses, interview materials, public inquiries, and City Council requests with accuracy and promptness.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans and narrative frameworks that support long term departmental and City initiatives.
• Oversee departmental brand management to ensure a consistent visual and narrative identity across all public facing materials.
• Direct internal communications to ensure staff receive clear, timely, and accurate information related to policies, programs, and organizational priorities.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and strategic direction to communications and public engagement staff.
• Coordinate crisis and emergency communications, serving as a key advisor to senior leadership and ensuring rapid, accurate dissemination of critical information.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, government officials, and local, regional, and national media to support effective communication efforts.
• Monitor public feedback, media reporting, and emerging issues to inform communication decisions and enhance community engagement.
• Promote departmental activities through appropriate media channels and ensure all messaging reflects departmental values and priorities.
• Handle highly sensitive or confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Ensure all communication practices comply with City policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Operate in a fast paced, collaborative environment, frequently engaging with elected officials, department directors, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain trusted relationships with media outlets to support accurate coverage of City and departmental programs and initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

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

Experience Requirements

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

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

License Requirements

None

PREFERENCES

• Expertise in media relations, digital strategy, crisis communications, public information, and brand management.
• Strong leadership and team management experience in communications or public engagement settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and respond swiftly during emergencies or high visibility events.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the 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

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

No

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE:

30

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

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.