COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Office of Communications

Full Job Description

Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
For more information, please click on the link:

http://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/human-resources/employee-benefits.html

Supervises - Office of Communications personnel, produces, verifies, and directs the digital and printed media to provide employees, citizens and area media with current information regarding Tarrant County operations.

Works directly with the County Administrator and the Chief of Staff to establish strategies and messaging for the County.

This position develops strategic initiatives to improve the overall communication and promotion of the County.

Directs the planning, developing, implementing, and managing the dissemination of news and information (written and verbal) to the public, elected officials, County staff and the media regarding county incidents, events, and community programs.

This position also develops and ensures consistent messaging of content on various County platforms including information to be uploaded to websites, social media sites, printed, video and electronic publications and news releases.

Directs media relations for critical incidents, navigates crises communications, develops messaging and initiatives within the community.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position will supervise the Office of Communications staff.

Requirements

• Directs their team in developing internal and external communication with media, stakeholders, community, and staff.
• Oversees and guides PIO in the response to breaking news and critical incidents.
• Leads their team in coordinated media relations and internal messaging of incidents and events.
• Advises and leads coordinated messaging across all County departments, and the Commissioner’s Court.
• Assists in researching issues and writing talking points for the County Administrator, The County Judge, and Commissioners, as requested.
• Develops and directs strategic initiatives to improve overall communication and promotion of Tarrant County.
• Directs and monitors effectiveness of communications and informational reports, and special events.
• Builds strong connections, trust, and relationships with local media, community leaders, and County personnel to enhance visibility, foster collaboration, and ensure consistent messaging with the County.
• Acts as a trusted spokesperson for the County, ensuring consistent messaging and building confidence with media, schools, government groups, and the community.
• Conducts training of personnel regarding how to communicate with the media.
• Supervises and guides the media team during responses to critical incidents.
• Partner with the County Administrator on strategy for future growth and Centralization of the Communications Department for the County.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills and be able to speak on behalf of Tarrant County during media interviews.
• Must have a strong understanding of media and web-based development skills.
• Must be able to direct multiple team members in high-stress critical incidents in order to quickly and accurately disseminate information to County personnel and the public.
• Strong skills across communications technology, software, AI, and social media.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, Powerpoint, Adobe Suite, and similar communication and editing tools.
• Strong in-person communication, presentation skills, media spokesperson skills, and ability to speak before large groups, government bodies, and elected officials.
• Strong grasp of both digital and print communication and the different methods to convey a consistent message across these domains.
• Proven ability to lead teams effectively, work independently, and take full accountability for individual and team performance.
• Strong skills in fact-checking, investigating, and correcting inaccurate publicly released statements and data to ensure consistent factual reporting.
• Effectively leverage County resources—including the Print Shop, Public Information Office, and IT Department—to optimize communication and operations.

Qualifications

To Apply: Interested and qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter for consideration to: Team@StarHire.Net

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

• Six (6) full time years of related work experience in Public Information, Public Relations, Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or directly related field.

• Three (3) full time years of work experience in a related field in a supervisory position.

• Must possess a valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Domain knowledge of County government operations and services.
• Strong existing relationships and connections with local media.

NOTE: You must fill out the work history and education sections of application to show you have years of experience/education as required by hiring department or be disqualified. If hired, must provide proof of educational attainment during the Onboarding process.

Additional Information

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, lift, transport, stoop, grasp, climb, walk and bend.