Job Description:

Reporting to the HFSC General counsel and Director of Government Affairs, the Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for executing strategic communication to ensure consistent messaging in alignment with organizational goals, under the direction of the executive team. By utilizing various communication tools, the Communications Specialist facilitates the dissemination of important information and will serve as the main contact for inbound requests from stakeholders and media. This role involves collaborating with the CEO, executive team, and most importantly, external stakeholders. The Public Affairs Specialist serves as a trusted advisor, providing guidance and support to the CEO on communication strategies while upholding HFSC values. Specific duties may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Execute comprehensive internal and external communication strategies aligned with HFSC's objectives and priorities under the direction of General Counsel and executive team.
• Collaborate with CEO, executive team and key stakeholders to gather information, identify communication needs, and ensure consistency in messaging. Manage frequent inbound requests from media and stakeholders. For example, HFSC routinely receives requests focused on sensitive criminal justice topics requiring a response, analyzing data and references. Responses may also involve carefully prepared media statements and on-camera interviews.
• Provide monthly updates to targeted stakeholders which may include highlights of happenings with HFSC, which will need to be relevant, brief and easy to understand. This includes newsletter management.
• Manage internal communication channels, such as the intranet, email distribution lists, digital signage, and internal social media platforms, to deliver timely and relevant information.
• Under the supervision of the director of government affairs, regularly educate elected and appointed officials about the organization by facilitating tours, creating and providing an information packet on HFSC and supporting CEO in building relationships with officials.
• Under the supervision of the director of government affairs, coordinate with staff liaisons at elected officials’ offices, particularly City of Houston officials, to gain broader understanding of governmental funding and issues.
• Monitor, understand, analyze, and track state legislation and budget initiatives that impact or could impact Houston Forensic Science Center, including attending hearings and keeping appropriate internal stakeholders apprised of any related bill activity.