DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY - Precinct 2

Summary

The Communications and Policy Director will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the County Commissioner’s Office, including providing essential services to assist and support the review and creation of public policy as well as communications efforts that best inform County stakeholders. This position will manage numerous projects in both an independent and collaborative nature. The ideal candidate has strong research and analysis skills, is an extremely strong writer and speechwriter, the ability to self-start and work independently as well as be part of a larger team, prior experience working for an elected official, strong interpersonal skills, and familiarity with and knowledge of traditional and digital communications platforms and tool, the laws governing them in a governmental environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Possesses a strong understanding of the statutes and case law that inform and shape county governments, or the ability to get up to speed quickly.
• Reviews policy and budget proposals, forming recommendations and briefs as needed for Commissioner and staff.
• Research potential policy and budget proposals, assessing feasibility and proposes solutions to identify issues as needed.
• Identifies challenges in all departments within county government proactively and devise and present actionable solutions.
• Crafts policy language, policy briefs and one-pagers, policy presentations, and other written documents as needed.
• Conducts regular investigations into best practices, solutions, and models from other counties in Texas and across the country.
• Speechwriting expertise
• Serves as primary responsibility as point of contact and interface for press inquiries, requests for comment, and interview requests for Commissioner Precinct 2.
• Coordinates with press contacts to schedule and facilitate press interviews as needed.
• Oversight of the maintenance and updates as necessary of the Commissioner’s official Precinct 2 website and social media channels.
• Identifies content and along with Precinct management staff and road and bridge staff, drafts the official newsletter for Commissioner Precinct 2, working with other county departments as needed.
• Identifies opportunities for Commissioner to participate in media proactively.
• Monitors communications channels (e.g. social media channels, email inboxes, etc.) and uses sound judgment to assess need for engagement of other staff and departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Advanced analytical skills.
• Strong writing and document formatting skills.
• Superior project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Experience with locating, securing, and synthesizing a diversity of information, sound research skills, and ability to find and extract information from a variety of sources including the internet and telephone conversations.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stay organized and know how to prioritize the workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
• Attention to detail; strong verbal skills on all levels including one-on-one, event networking, and public speaking.
• Possess administrative skills and etiquette in operations of an office.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with County employees and the public.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in communications or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience policy communications or public affairs, with a strong track record of success in communications leadership roles.
  
  

Preferred Requirements:

• Large urban county government experience.
• Knowledgeable and ability to scrutinize and analyze county budgets.
• Adept at reviewing commissioners court agendas with precision.
• Experience working for an elected official(s).
  
  

Physical Demands And Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.