Director of Communications

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office seeks a senior communications leader to manage external messaging and media relations. You will develop programs across digital and print platforms and advise senior executives on communications strategies.

Responsibilities include drafting speeches and press materials, producing content for the website and social channels, visual branding, and coordinating with External Affairs and government affairs teams to support legislative initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least twelve (12) years’ experience in news media, public relations, and/or political campaigns.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or advising executive leadership on communications matters.
• Experience managing social media, press releases, public releases, and public statements.

Responsibilities

• Manage media relations, respond to inquiries, draft press releases, and build relationships with local and national media.
• Draft speeches for the District Attorney and senior staff.
• Create content for HCDAO external digital platforms and print materials.
• Collaborate with data scientists and IT to visualize prosecutorial trends.
• Develop HCDAO branding elements and typography.
• Coordinate with External Affairs to support community initiatives and with government affairs for legislative activities.
• Counsel the District Attorney on communications issues and supervise staff for court and visual communications.
• Report to HCDAO General Counsel with regular access to the District Attorney.

Skills

Media relations

Speech writing

Public speaking

Social media management

Public records law

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Overview

Manage external communications for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO), the biggest District Attorney office in Texas and the largest law firm in Houston. Responsible for developing and implementing programs designed to advance the mission of the office across a variety of vertical and horizontal communications platforms. Expertise in media relations is required and experience with digital media is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage media relations including responding to media inquiries, drafting press releases and statements, identifying cases of possible interest, and developing professional relationships with local and national media.
• Draft speeches for the District Attorney and senior staff.
• Design and develop content for HCDAO external facing digital content, including its website, and social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X).
• Design and develop content for HCDAO external facing print materials including flyers and informational brochures.
• Work with data scientists and HCDAO Information Technology to identify and visualize prosecutorial trends.
• Develop and maintain the HCDAO’s logo, branding, and typography.
• Coordinate with HCDAO External Affairs in order to support its community/grassroots initiatives.
• Coordinate with HCDAO government affairs consultants to support federal, state, and local legislative initiatives and activities.
• Counsel the District Attorney and senior executives on communications issues as they emerge.
• Manage staff members responsible for court and visual communications.
• Report to HCDAO General Counsel with regular access to the District Attorney.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Supporting Job Application Documents

• Please provide copies of transcripts and any relevant certification.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least twelve (12) years’ experience in news media, public relations, and/or political campaigns.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or advising executive leadership on communications matters.
• Experience managing social media, press releases, public releases, and public statements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and with understanding of the unique requirements of the Texas Public Information Act and ethics rules affecting prosecutors.
• Able to work effectively with senior executives and manage staff.
• Knowledge of public-sector and criminal justice communications.

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.

• Experience with digital media is preferred.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Although evening and weekend hours are sometimes required.
  • Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.

Salary

• $175,000 - 195,000 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.