COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR (DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL))

Job Description:

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR (DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL))

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: MARKETING, COMMUNICATION, & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
REPORTING LOCATION: 16930 JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD.
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*, OCCASSIONAL WEEKEND AND HOLIDAYS
*Subject to change

PURPOSE OF DIVISION
The Houston Airport’s Mission is to connect the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston. The Marketing, Communication, and Customer Experience (MarCommCx) Division’s goal/purpose is directly related to the organization’s ability to achieve its Mission and Vision. The MarCommCx Division performs marketing analytics to understand passenger desires and needs, creates marketing and communication strategies to drive increased non-airline revenue opportunities, maintains a positive external image through public relations and external communication efforts, and delivers strong and positive customer experience programs to engage our traveling public.
The purpose of the Communications & Public Relations Director (Deputy Assistant Director) within MarCommCx is to develop communication strategies, goals, and priorities for internal and external communication initiatives. The team develops and executes communications plans meant to engage and inform various audiences. The team maintains the external public image of the organization and its three airports through the use of social media platforms, traditional media outlets, newsletters, and direct communication efforts. The communications team also maintains and executes the airport system’s Emergency Communication Plan to guide communication efforts during any declared emergencies.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Communications & Public Relations Director (Deputy Assistant Director) will lead the communications team’s overall strategy, goals, and priorities. This position will oversee and manage a team of professionals focused on all communication efforts, both internal and external, content production (photo & video), and development of communication plans for specific messaging. The role will also serve as a primary PIO role during large-scale or high-impact emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Manage team of professionals, including developing work schedules, assigning work assignments, managing and reviewing performance, building trust, and recruiting team members when vacancies arise.
• Coordinate weekly with the Director of Aviation and Senior Leadership for understanding of upcoming newsworthy activities and develop communications plans.
• Remain trained and compliant with updated crisis communications plans and National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) trainings.
• Communicate regularly with the Communications Director within the mayor’s office to ensure knowledge of departmental activities and issues.
• Manages and directs managers, reviews operations, and may establish objectives within the assigned department.
• Establishes policies, procedures, guidelines and project schedules.
• Reviews and evaluates correspondence and various proposed ordinances and plans.
• Coordinates the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the budget and expenditures.
• Assists in the design and implementation of special systems, plans and projects.
• Acts as liaison to other departments, government agencies and the private sector.
• Researches, reviews and evaluates new data, reports, products and other information.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Seven years of progressively more complex/responsible administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a supervisory capacity.

A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field closely related to the work being performed may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

• Bi-Lingual in Spanish and English (Fluent) - spoken and written
• Knowledge of Federal procedures, requirements, and regulations for the aviation industry.
• Understanding of operations at Large & Medium Hub commercial airports.
• Crisis Communications Experience or Training and Certifications (i.e. NIMS)
• Multimedia presentation development with strong photo and video production capabilities is preferred.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - refers to the employee's ability to: (a) Accept change readily, both in job responsibilities as well as in the work environment. (b) Maintain effectiveness when experiencing changes in work assignments, processes or conditions. (c) Seek to understand changes and approaches change positively. (d) Adjust behavior to deal effectively with changes in the work environment.
• Judgement - refers to the employee's ability to: (a) Make timely and sound recommendations that withstand examination. (b) Gather and interpret relevant information prior to making decisions. (c) Formulate realistic and successful solutions.
• Teamwork - refers to the employee's ability to: (a) Collaborate with others to achieve results. (b) Work well with fellow employees in a cooperative and team-oriented manner. (c) Place higher priority on team/organizational goals than on own goals. (d) Motivate fellow employees. (e) Take responsibility and initiative and lead by example. (f) Serve as project or team leader if called upon.
• Building Trust - requires a combination of integrity, consistency, and competence, demonstrated through transparent communication, keeping commitments, and showing empathy.

**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.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 30

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 10/7/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$116,474.28 - $142,919.92 Annually