Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations

San Antonio Water System; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 116,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

San Antonio Water System seeks a Director of Communications to provide strategic leadership over external communications, media relations, digital channels, social media, and community outreach. You will develop integrated strategies that strengthen public understanding, protect SAWS' reputation, and align messaging with organizational priorities across channels.

The role reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications & External Affairs, and requires guiding complex projects, managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• Eight years’ progressively responsible experience in advertising, marketing, public relations, or journalism including five years’ experience in supervising personnel.
• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, selects, develops, trains, and evaluates personnel; manages team resources, budgets, contracts, and project priorities.
• Manages creative and communication strategy contracts.
• Develops and implements integrated external communications plans aligned with SAWS’ strategic objectives; evaluates effectiveness and adjusts strategies using performance measures.
• Partners with executive leadership and departments to translate complex technical, operational, conservation, and customer-service information into clear, accurate communications.
• Leads cross-functional communications projects, manages competing deadlines, and coordinates outside agencies, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Directs proactive and responsive media relations, including news releases, advisories, media briefings, editorial opportunities, talking points, and spokesperson preparation.
• Builds productive relationships with media; serves as a spokesperson as assigned.
• Develops executive communications, speeches, briefing materials, and internal messaging for senior leadership.
• Anticipates emerging issues and leads crisis and incident communications, including digital updates and reputation management.
• Leads SAWS’ social media strategy, editorial planning, audience engagement, content governance, and performance analysis across platforms.
• Develops integrated digital and traditional campaigns that use analytics to improve reach and customer understanding.
• Maintains editorial standards, messaging consistency, and brand integrity across channels.
• Coordinates editorial calendars, production schedules, agency deliverables, and communications supporting major SAWS initiatives.
• Collaborates with Conservation, Education, Customer Experience, and other departments to communicate programs and encourage participation and behavior change.
• Supports public awareness and outreach for SAWS affordability assistance programs with community and nonprofit partnerships.
• Builds relationships with community leaders, educational partners, and stakeholders; supports outreach events and public information initiatives.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field

Advanced degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field

Job description

San Antonio Water System seeks a Director of Communications to provide strategic leadership over external communications, media relations, digital channels, social media, and community outreach. You will develop integrated strategies that strengthen public understanding, protect SAWS' reputation, and align messaging with organizational priorities across channels.

The role reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications & External Affairs, and requires guiding complex projects, managing