Job Details
Position Description
Position Overview:
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is transforming the way we do government and is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated Press Secretary to join our team and shape the vision for the future of Harris County.
We are looking for a press relations professional to assist our Communications Director in the execution of a proactive communications strategy that aligns with the Harris County Judge's vision for a safe, equitable and resilient Harris County. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join the communications team of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo as a Press Secretary. This role is instrumental in shaping and managing the county judge's public image through effective media relations, press conferences, press releases, and communication strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media relations, excellent writing skills-AP Style, and a deep understanding of media dynamics.
About the Harris County Judge:
Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County's Director of Emergency Management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Build and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets-this includes collaborating with reporters, editors and producers to shape media narratives and ensure accurate representation of Judge Hidalgo's initiatives and policies.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate all press interviews.
* Proactively pitch stories and engage with the media to promote Judge Lina Hidalgo's initiatives and events.
* Collaborate with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with overall communication strategies.
* Craft compelling and newsworthy content to enhance and increase media coverage.
* Organize and coordinate press conferences, town halls, media briefings, and media events.
* Work closely with the events team to ensure seamless media coverage during public appearances and official functions.
* Assist in rapid response and crisis communication media plans and strategies.
* Act as a spokesperson/on the record including crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to the media.
* Stay informed about local and national news trends, political developments, and public sentiment.
* Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular updates and recommendations and provide regular reports to the communication's team.
* Identify and generate media and community interest through email outreach, targeted pitch calls, and press opportunities.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) ###-#### or email ...@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Required Supporting Documents:
* Cover Letter
* Updated Resume
Education and Experience:
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
* Minimum five (5) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing responsibility.
* Master's degree will be accepted for two (2) years of experience.
* Relevant communications or media relations experience.
* Experience in supporting and executing a social media strategy on all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, along with the ability to manage stressful situations.
* Excellent judgment, integrity and commitment to personal responsibility and accountability.
* A solid track record of media placements and identifying newsworthy content.
* Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to make complex issues understandable and relevant to external audiences.
* Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
* Passion for improving quality of life for the people of Harris County .
* Respect for diversity and knowledge of the region's demographics.
* Excellent copywriting skills.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
* Over one (1) year experience supporting and executing a social media strategy on all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
* Fluency in Spanish (written and spoken) a plus.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
* Regular Full-time
* Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
* Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis.
Salary:
* Depends on Qualifications
* Based on 26 Pay Periods
* Plus, benefits
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
* Medical Coverage
* Dental Coverage
* Vision Coverage
* Wellness Plan
* Life Insurance
* Long-term disability
* Employee Assistance Program
* Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
* Accrual rates increase based on years of service
* Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
* Professional development opportunities
* Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
* Healthcare Reimbursement Account
* 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
* Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
* Flexible schedule (varies by department)
* Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01
Which of the following best describes your level of education completed as it relates to this position?
* High School Diploma or G.E.D.
* Associate Degree
* Bachelor's Degree
* Master's degree or higher
* None of the above
02
Please describe your educational background including the level of education completed, the area of study and major and minor programs.
03
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in relevant positions with increasing responsibility? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
* Less than three (3) years
* Three (3) years but less than four (4) years
* Four (4) years but less than five (5) years
* Five (5) years or more
* I do not have this experience
04
Please provide details about your verifiable experience in relevant positions with increasing levels of responsibility. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
05
Which of the following best describes your experience supporting and executing a social media strategy on all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented on your application's employment history)
* Less than one (1) year
* One (1) year but less than two (2)
* Two (2) years but less than three (3)
* Three (3) or more years
* I do not have this experience
06
Do you have relevant communications or media relations experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
* Yes
* No
07
Are you fluent (written and spoken) in Spanish?
* Yes
* No
08
A cover letter and resume are required with your application. Did you provide these supporting documents along with your application?
* Yes
Required Question
Agency Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-###-####
Website