Senior Communications Specialist

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

PN: 33774

Division: ASD- Communications

Section: Office of Program Support

Reporting Location: 8000 N. Stadium

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday *

• Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain and oversee the department's internal and external newsletters.

• Assist with the creation of organic content that highlights HHD's and our partner's works, programs, and accomplishments.

• Assist with dissemination of the department's messaging, through written and video storytelling.

• Assist with the department's social media messaging through content development, follower engagement, social listening, trend analysis, and leveraging competitor research.

• Draft press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information.

• Assist with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and client engagement.

• Write speeches, press releases, media responses, and public service announcements.

• Maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effectiveness and efficiency.

• Attends various civic, council, and business meetings, public dedications, and other public event activities for social media and storytelling.

• Assists with promoting departmental activities through appropriate media channels.

• Requires a bachelor's degree in art, design, communications, typography, or a closely related field.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including copy and content editing, bilingual proficiency preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS   

There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal. The ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fairly fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within moderate tolerance demands. Lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds), periods of walking with production equipment on rough surfaces. Display construction may involve heavy lifting up to 80-90 pounds. Bending and climbing on ladders.EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in art, design, communications, typography or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Two (2) years of experience in media, public relations, the art field or a closely related field are required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

NonePreference 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.

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED 

Department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION  YES    

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION  GRANT FUND  POSITION      

Grants & Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. 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 20

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 832.393.4882.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.393.4882 (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.