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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT (EXECUTIVE STAFF ANALYST (EXE LEV))

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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT (EXECUTIVE STAFF ANALYST (EXE LEV))

Salary

$108,940.00 - $137,776.60 Annually

Location

901 Bagby

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

36887

Department

Controller's Office

Opening Date

08/05/2025

Closing Date

10/28/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSON INTERESTED

DIVISION: COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT

REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY ST., 8TH FL.

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*

*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the guidance of the Controller or designee, the Executive Staff Analyst will function as the Director of Communications and Engagement to facilitate the efficient and smooth day-to-day operations of the Communications and Engagement Division of the City Controller’s Office. This position will oversee brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, and crisis communications. The Director of Communications and Engagement is responsible for managing the Communications and Engagement Division. In this capacity, this position leads fast-paced, high-level narrative and communications strategy for the Office of the City Controller. The ideal candidate will have effective communication, planning, and organization skills, with a commitment to providing excellent customer service, interacting professionally with staff at all levels of the organization, and the ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Executive Staff Analyst duties will include but are not limited to:

+ Directs all aspects related to brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, and crisis communications.

+ Anticipates City Controller’s needs and producing briefing materials or otherwise ensuring the City Controller is well prepared for meetings with senior/executive leaders, the public, stakeholders, and external partners and/or accompanying the City Controller at events and appearances, etc., as needed to capture relevant information and document and track any associated action items or required follow up.

+ Completes special projects as needed, working on a wide variety of financial, administrative, professional, management, and community issues and problems of a high complexity.

+ Represents City Controller at meetings and functions generally to gather information and to articulate opinions and recommendations of the City Controller’s office.

+ Handles highly confidential information.

+ Prepares, edits and revises department policy and procedure manuals as directed. Responds to correspondence, requests for information, etc. as assigned by City Controller or designee.

+ Participates in the development of management and administrative policies, procedures and master plans with both short-term and long-term objectives as assigned. Analyzes and reviews management practices and procedures and develops recommendations for improvement.

+ Negotiates solutions for problems of a high complexity as needed.

+ Participates in the evaluation and design of workflow, processes, various operations systems, etc.

+ Develops technological solutions and systems for continuous improvement programs and other appropriate applications.

+ Participates in special projects as assigned by the City Controller or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Communications, Journalism, English or a closely related field to the type of work being performed.

Graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required.

Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with prior brand management experience, programmatic communications strategy and narrative experience, internal communications management experience, and crisis communications experience.

Brand Management:

+ Provide strategic direction on brand partnership development.

+ Manage relationships with high-level external partners and leverage relationships to develop new ones.

+ Support the City Controller and senior leadership in the development of thought leadership op-eds, speeches, and other communications.

Programmatic Communications Strategy & Narrative:

+ Lead development of issue-specific messaging in collaboration with the City Controller and senior leadership.

+ Driving the day-to-day and long-term visibility of the City Controller’s Office in mainstream, social, and specialty media.

+ Collaborate with issue area experts to align communications work with the goals of specific divisions and the larger City Controller’s team.

+ Lead the media and social media engagement and strategy, including long-term and short-term media plans to expand the reach and visibility of the City Controller’s office.

+ Oversee the development and delivery of communications and community engagement training for staff.

+ Lead the process to standardize messaging and narrative development across the office.

Internal Communications:

+ Partner with the Senior Leadership Team to create a strong, effective, and clear drumbeat of information to staff.

+ Keep various internal stakeholders informed of organizational changes and updates.

+ Project manage the development of updates from the leadership team to deliver to all staff.

Crisis Communications (as needed):

+ Coordinate with senior leadership and crisis communications consultants during response moments.

+ Develop and lead collaborative review processes for written crisis communications.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

+ Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.

+ Understanding of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing.

+ Working knowledge of content management systems, HTML coding, and digital graphic production.

+ Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing.

+ Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities.

+ Strong leadership track record.

+ Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments.

+ Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.

+ Exceptional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.

+ Use of appropriate written and verbal language and grammar with minimal errors.

+ Exceptional attention to detail.

+ Demonstrated ability to meet multiple demands and customer needs using a variety of methods and best practices while incorporating customer feedback.

+ Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.

+ Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)

Preference 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.

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: 30

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

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you currently a City of Houston employee working in the City Controller’s Office?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

+ High School Diploma / GED

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree or higher

+ None of the Above

04

What is your degree concentration?

+ Business Administration or Business Management

+ Economics

+ Public Administration

+ Communications

+ Journalism

+ Political Science

+ Other closely related field

+ Non-related field

+ I do not have a degree

05

If you selected "a closely related field", please indicate the degree concentration you obtained (see resume is not acceptable, if statement does not apply, please insert N/A)

06

How many years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed do you have?

+ Less than 5 years of experience

+ 5 - 6 years

+ 7 - 8 years

+ 9 - 10 years

+ 11 years or more

07

How many years of verifiable experience in social media or a closely related field do you possess?

+ None

+ Less than 2 years

+ 2 - 3 years

+ 4 - 5 years

+ 6 years or more

08

I have experience and/or knowledge in Media (Please check all that apply).

+ Social Media

+ Strong diverse portfolio

+ Video Production

+ Technical Proficiency

+ Technical Creativity

+ Graphic Design

+ Speechwriting

+ Adapting to any situation

+ None of the above

09

How many years of professional experience do you have in communications?

+ None

+ 1 year or less

+ 2 - 3 years

+ 4 - 5 years

+ 5 - 6 years

+ 7 years or more

10

Please describe your related experience. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

11

Please describe your experience developing and packaging high quality written communications. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

12

Please describe your experience in formulating strategic plans, communication plans, and community engagement plans. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

13

Please describe your experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex policy or regulatory guidance. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

14

What inspired you to apply for this position?

15

Please indicate your level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.

+ BASIC MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE: Create a new document, enter text, and save it; navigate in a document and perform a search; format cells, rows, and columns; modify a database and insert data from another; application; create title and bullet slides; work with text, drawn objects, and drawing tools.

+ INTERMEDIATE MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE: Create mail merges, sort and filter them; customize toolbars; run and record Macros; filter data and manage a filtered list; create and modify some Macro commands; create, modify, and format charts; create basic Macros to automate forms and data entry; customize the appearance and functionality of reports; use hyperlinks and perform data integration.

+ ADVANCED MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE: Manage Macro commands, create dialogue boxes, and understand the notions of Visual Basic application programming; use advanced functions (Names, VLOOKUP, IF, IS); work with Pivot Tables; manage Macro commands: concepts, planning, operations, execution, modification, interruption; use Visual Basic to create a public function or event procedures, or add general procedures in a form module; plan and examine an application, develop a distributed application design.

+ None of the above

16

Describe your management experience and approach when it comes to communications and/or community engagement. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

Required Question