About Harris County Flood Control District:
The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. The Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins, totaling more than 10,000 acres and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens bayou.
What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District:
The Communications Division Director is responsible for leading all communications-based strategies and programs for the Flood Control District, in support of its overall mission. This includes oversight of media relations, public outreach, internal and external communications, digital platforms, and crisis communication. The Director manages internal and contract staff and provides strategic counsel to executive leadership, with an emphasis on transparency, public trust, inclusion, and measurable impact.
Essential Functions and Duties:
Strategic Oversight and Leadership-
Provide strategic oversight of all communications related to the District, including project communications and capital project delivery updates, media relations, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, public affairs/outreach, brand/reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
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Develop and direct the implementation of an annual strategic communications plan that supports the District’s mission and objectives, with data-informed goals and measurable performance indicators.
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Ensure all communication strategies reflect the District’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and language equity.
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Provide strategic counsel to the Executive Director and other members of executive leadership, and conduct regular executive briefings on updates, challenges, results, and public sentiment.
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Support communication around legislative initiatives, policy updates, and government relations as needed.
Team Leadership and Management-
Direct internal communications efforts, including executive messaging, town halls, organizational updates, and change management communications.
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Hold team members accountable through regular meetings, status updates, and performance reviews.
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Establish and promote continuing education and training for staff, ensuring knowledge of best practices, DEI, crisis readiness, and emerging technologies.
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Oversee personnel compliance with District policies and procedures.
Public Relations and Media Engagement-
Lead and direct the District’s proactive and reactive media relations efforts to maximize positive press and public awareness of projects, initiatives, and benefits.
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Serve as a spokesperson for the District as needed, including media interviews and high-profile events.
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Lead social media strategy, development, monitoring, and analysis across platforms.
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Oversee content creation and graphic design, ensuring consistency in tone, branding, and visual identity across all channels.
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Monitor and respond to public sentiment and media coverage, adjusting strategies as needed.
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Manage and enhance the District’s reputation through thoughtful messaging and proactive engagement.
Crisis Communications and Emergency Response-
Serve as the District’s communications lead during emergency events, including incident command or emergency operations center activations. Must be available for extended, on-site mobilization during such events.
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Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and public engagement strategies before, during, and after emergencies.
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Ensure communications are timely, accessible, and available across multiple platforms and in multiple languages.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement-
Design and implement community outreach and stakeholder engagement strategies to promote education, trust, and transparency.
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Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
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Lead presentations and participate in public meetings, including project updates and community forums.
Budget and Technology Oversight-
Prepare and manage the annual communications budget and ensure responsible use of resources.
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Identify and implement communications tools, software, and platforms to enhance workflow, media monitoring, public engagement, and reporting.
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Serve as point of contact for external consultants and oversee their performance and deliverables.
Additional Responsibilities and Support
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Attend meetings with internal departments, public officials, partner agencies, and vendors.
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Present at conferences, workshops, and relevant training programs.
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Provide media training to internal staff and executives.
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Assume additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the evolving demands, responsibilities, needs, and objectives of the District.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email
[email protected].
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.