COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (EXE LEV)

Full Job Description

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

JOB CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT)
DEPARTMENT: CITY COUNCIL, AT LARGE 4 OFFICE
REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY* Occasional weekend and evening meetings as scheduled
*Subject to change

About Council Member Alejandra Salinas:Alejandra Salinas is a fourth-generation Texan and a nationally recognized attorney elected in December 2025 as a Houston City Council At-Large Member, representing the entire city.

She is the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina ever elected to the Houston City Council and the first Latina elected citywide in nearly 30 years.For nearly a decade, Alejandra has stood up for individuals and businesses in the courtroom.

As a partner at Susman Godfrey, one of the nation’s top litigation firms, she has helped protect Harris County elections, challenged discriminatory school policies, and secured significant monetary recoveries.

On Council, Alejandra will prioritize safer neighborhoods, affordable and reliable city services, and resilient infrastructure to ensure that all Houstonians—no matter what part of town they live in—can pursue their own version of the American Dream.POSITION OVERVIEWThe 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
Policy Strategy & Leadership

• 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.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.
• Represent or staff the Council Member at community meetings and events as needed.

Executive & Administrative Support

• 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.

Job Description Disclaimer
This summary is intended as a high-level description of the general nature and work performed. The Council office reserves the right to amend responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSBasic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions like percentages, ratios, etc.

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.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTSNone

Qualifications

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.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons 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.**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TEST REQUIREDThe selection process will involve application review and/or interview.SAFETY IMPACT POSITION- NoPay Grade - 20SALARY INFORMATIONFactors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.APPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly 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 832-393-0350.To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm ; If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350.

(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.