Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

JOB CLASSIFICATION:ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) DIVISION:DIRECTOR'S OFFICE REPORTING LOCATION:611 WALKER WORKDAYS and HOURS:MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM* *Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community. We are seeking a passionate and innovative Communications Director to join our team and help us share our story with the world.

[ABOUT THE ROLE This is a unique opportunity to lead and significantly enhance how the public understands and values the critical work of HPW. As the architect of our brand story, you will craft compelling narratives that showcase our employees' dedication and expertise, highlighting our projects' impact on the lives of Houston residents. As a key leader within HPW, the Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that elevate the visibility and impact of HPW within the city. This role requires a strategic thinker and a creative problem-solver with a passion for public service and a deep understanding of the evolving communications landscape.

Reporting to the HPW Chief of Staff, the Communications Director will lead and manage all aspects of communications for HPW. This position oversees the Public Information Officer (PIO) and a team of professional and support staff.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS LEADERSHIP ]{#isPasted}

• Supervise and lead a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Define job duties and expectations for team members.
• Develop Houston Employee Assessment and Review (HEAR) plans and conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and address employee concerns.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee employee training and development.
• Manage employee schedules, time off requests, and other personnel matters.
• Lead the development and implementation of long-term communication strategies that align with HPW's overall goals and objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on all communication matters, including messaging, media outreach, and crisis communication.
• Provide strategic counsel on the department's brand identity and messaging.
• Evaluate the City's current use of communications and marketing budget, software, engagement and outreach initiatives making recommendations for future utilization.
• Oversee the development and management of the department's communication budget and purchases, including HPW promotional items.
• Ensure all communication activities comply with City of Houston policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Collaborate with other City departments and agencies on communication initiatives.
• Support the Director with written material and interactive presentations for public speaking engagements, press conferences, interviews, video recordings, or article publications.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Develop and Implement Comprehensive, forward-thinking Communications Strategies: Oversee the development of integrated communications strategies for cross-organizational projects on priority issues, working closely with service line areas and subject-matter experts. Manage the roll out of all communications opportunities.
• Execute a clearly defined marketing and branding strategy that aligns with HPW's objectives and enhances brand equity.
• Continuously foster new communication and marketing ideas, including recruitment campaigns, internal collaboration initiatives, and staff recog ition programs.
• Demonstrate how innovative communication efforts have improved service delivery, enhanced citizen engagement, and achieved positive outcomes for the community.
• Track progress against the office's communications goals and assess the effectiveness of all communication efforts in advancing policy priorities.
• Develop and manage the department's branding, ensuring consistent messaging and brand identity across all communication channels.
• Develop and ensure our brand strategy is effectively delivered to the target audience through appropriate marketing activities. Oversee all aspects of the brand experience, including marketing, advertising, design, public relations, and customer service.
• Work closely with Department Stakeholders to support cohesive messaging and branding.
• Establish and implement department marketing strategies, analyze and report on their effectiveness, and recommend necessary improvements.
• Monitor emerging trends to identify and incorporate new marketing programs and strategies.
• Maintain active membership in state, regional, and national professional associations and organizations for communications, particularly in the public sector.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS/ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Media and Public Relations:

Oversight of the HPW Public Information Officer, who serves as the primary media spokesperson for HPW.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets (newspapers, television, radio, online publications).

Proactively pitch story ideas to media outlets.

Respond to media inquiries promptly and accurately.

Schedule and conduct media interviews.

Draft and issue press releases, media advisories, and statements.

Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact.

Develop and execute public relations campaigns to promote HPW's initiatives and programs, i.e. plan and coordinate public events, including press conferences, open houses, and community meetings.

Manage content for the department's website and social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).

Create engaging content (videos, photos, graphics, blog posts, social media posts) to share with the public.

Manage the department's public information requests and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Represent HPW at community events, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.

Develop and implement strategies to engage the pub