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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Salary

$3,266.26 - $3,805.64 Biweekly

Location

8000 N. Stadium

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

37442

Department

Houston Health Department

Opening Date

11/19/2025

Closing Date

11/25/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

Job Classification: Public Information Officer

Job Posting: 37442

Division: Director’s Office

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm*

*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Represents the Houston Health Department (HHD) as a liaison between city council members and the health department, Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, relaying information, promoting publicity and fielding questions, for all public/media related activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Act as liaison between city council members and HHD programs leaders.

+ Assists with the daily operations of a public information section, including conducting research and gathering statistical and historical data, and health data information.

+ Possesses firm command of the Associate Press Style Book to assist with editing and proofing departmental content and messaging.

+ Help develop and promote department’s media messaging in print and digital formats

+ Represents the department as spokesperson and acts as a liaison between the department and the community.

+ Attends various civic, council and business meetings, public dedications and other public event activities.

+ Bilingual (Spanish speaking)

+ Assist with the preparation and distribution of responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries and City Council requests, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

+ Promotes departmental activities through appropriate media channels.

+ Assist with requests for Council Actions and coordinates City Council correspondence as directed.

+ Monitors and responds to public feedback relative to departmental activities and progress.

+ Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such people who 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.

• Candidates preferred to be Bilingual in Spanish

• Previous Radio/TV News Reporter experience

• Clear understanding of the local and national News cycle/operations

• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None; however, the department may administer a skills assessment review.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: NO

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. The minimum to midpoint of this salary range is:

Salary Range - Pay Grade 26

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.

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 a current City of Houston employee?

+ Yes

+ No

03

What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

+ High School Diploma/GED

+ Associate's Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field

+ Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field

+ Master's degree or higher in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field

+ None of the above

04

How many years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field do you possess?

+ No Experience

+ Less than 3 years

+ 3 years to less than 5 years

+ 5 years to less than 7 years

+ 7 years to less than 9 years

+ 9 or more years

05

Describe a time when you managed communication during a crisis, what was effective and what lessons did you learn?

06

How would you describe your writing style?

07

What are some of the biggest challenges of working as a PIO?

08

What was the most successful media campaign you’ve handled and what was your role?

09

What is the difference between media advisories and press releases?

10

Are you fluent in Spanish?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question