Job Details

Communications Director (Council Administrative Assistant (Exe Lev)

The Communications Director is a senior member of Council Member Alejandra Salinas's staff and serves as the primary strategist and writer for the office's public communications, while also providing executive support, including managing the Council Member's calendar, coordinating meetings, and ensuring smooth execution of office priorities. Working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Communications Director produces clear, compelling written and digital content that advances the Council Member's legislative priorities and constituent services. The ideal candidate combines strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills with political judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Council Member's legislative priorities, policy agenda, and constituent service goals.
• Draft high-quality written materials, including speeches, talking points, statements, press releases, newsletters, op-eds, proclamations, and digital content.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local, state, and national media, managing inquiries, pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and preparing the Council Member for media appearances.
• Plan and execute press events, media briefings, and public announcements to amplify the Council Member's impact and communicate office priorities.
• Develop and maintain a strategic content calendar aligned with policy priorities and key milestones.
• Monitor media coverage and digital engagement metrics to assess impact, inform strategy, and support rapid-response communications for time-sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Design and support communications campaigns tied to community events, initiatives, and policy rollouts.
• Support community engagement by ensuring communications are culturally responsive, accurate, and aligned with office priorities.
• Manage the Council Member's calendar, schedule meetings, and coordinate logistics for internal and external engagements.
• Work closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure the Council Member's time is allocated efficiently and high-priority meetings are prioritized.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and other operational details to ensure smooth execution of office priorities.
• Perform other executive support tasks as needed, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.

Working Conditions:

This position requires availability during regular business hours and periodic evenings and weekends to support community meetings, media engagements, and special events.

Minimum Requirements:

Education Requirements: Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions as might normally be acquired through attainment of a high school diploma or a GED.

Experience: One year of administrative experience is required. Substitution: College education may substitute for experience.

Preferences:

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Four (4) or more years of experience in journalism, media relations, public relations, or strategic communications, preferably in a political or governmental setting.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or a related field.
• Experience pitching stories, managing press relationships, and responding to media inquiries.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including drafting talking points, speeches, memos, and public-facing materials.
• Digital communications experience, including social media management and video editing.
• Experience managing complex calendars, scheduling meetings, travel coordination, and coordinating executive-level logistics.
• Familiarity with local government operations, public policy processes, and key Houston stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate and address emerging issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small, dynamic team.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and community-centered governance.

General Information:

Selection/Skills Test Required: The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Safety Impact Position - No Pay Grade - 20 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.

Application Procedures: Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov or call 832-###-####. To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-###-####. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-###-####. 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
• 13 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

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