COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/AIDE - EXE LEV)

Job Description:

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/AIDE - EXE LEV)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED DEPARTMENT: CITY COUNCIL
DIVISION: DISTRICT F
REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
* Subject to change

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Communications is a critical member of the District F leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing the Council Member’s voice across all public platforms. This role leads storytelling, message development, media strategy, and high-impact engagement initiatives to elevate the Council Member’s profile locally and nationally. The Director will collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure alignment across operations and external visibility, and will serve as the office’s point person for all public-facing narratives, press coordination, and proactive engagement strategy.

This role requires a seasoned communicator with broadcast, media relations, and community outreach experience, political judgment, and the ability to execute rapidly in an evolving public environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications

• Lead development and delivery of Council Member Thomas’s communications strategy, aligning content across traditional, digital, and community platforms.
• Draft and produce speeches, newsletters, talking points, media advisories, press releases, public statements, and op-eds.
• Manage brand consistency across media platforms, ensuring messaging aligns with the Council Member’s legislative agenda, district priorities, and broader political narrative.
• Identify and pursue media opportunities that advance the Council Member’s regional and national influence.
• Monitor press coverage, track social media analytics, and provide recommendations based on trends and public response.
• Curate and manage the Council Member’s Press Kit.
• Update and maintain digital archive.

Media & Public Engagement

• Serve as the primary media liaison for local, state, and national outlets; coordinate interviews and respond to press inquiries.
• Manage all components of public relations, including press events, broadcast appearances, and media briefings.
• Create and manage a high-quality media content calendar, aligning with policy goals and timely district events.
• Oversee the production of the annual report, campaign-style assets, photography, videography, and all creative collateral in coordination with external vendors.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and implement outreach campaigns for high-impact events such as the Faith and Affordable Housing Summit, Deed Restriction Workshops, Immigrant Roundtables, and Disaster Response Activations.
• Develop strategies for deepening community trust through storytelling, policy transparency, and accessible messaging.
• Support neighborhood liaisons and engagement staff to ensure consistent, culturally relevant communication with diverse District F constituents.
• Work closely with the team to identify trends and elevate urgent issues into proactive messaging strategies.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Report directly to the Chief of Staff and collaborate with city departments, advocacy organizations, and campaign allies.
• Advise on tone, positioning, and risks related to legislative priorities, budget allocations, and inter-office dynamics.
• Supervise any communications support staff, interns, or consultants involved in branding, media, or design.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term narrative development for future political aspirations of the Council Member.

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 Political Science, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three years of administrative or closely related experience are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• 5+ years of experience in media, journalism, public relations, or strategic communications, preferably with political, civic, or government-facing organizations.
• Demonstrated success managing high-stakes media coverage, messaging strategy, and public engagement efforts.
• Strong portfolio of written, on-air, or campaign communications work.
• Proven experience responding to crisis events and shifting public narratives with agility and clarity.
• Deep understanding of Houston’s political, social, and cultural landscape.
• Strong visual and digital acumen, including use of social platforms, video, and audience analytics.
• Experience with community development, coalition building, or advocacy is preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a journalist’s curiosity and a public servant’s heart.
• Polished and persuasive communicator with an instinct for storytelling and authenticity.
• High emotional intelligence: able to read a room, shape narratives, and build trust across stakeholder groups.
• Operates with discretion, integrity, and discipline.
• Flexible under pressure, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and committed to rapid turnaround.
• Collaborative team player with a readiness to work weekends, evenings, and in urgent scenarios

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the posi tion 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 YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

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: 25

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

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

EOE 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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications