Communications Specialist I

About the role

Posting number: 17217 Department: Office of County Administration Job classification: Communications Specialist Posting type: Open Categories: Communications, Arts, Design, Entertainment & Media Summary OCA.png About the Harris County Office of County Administration: The Office of County Administration (OCA) was established by Harris County Commissioners Court in June 2021 and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Harris County government. OCA is led by County Administrator Erica Lee Carter, who serves as Harris County's Chief Administrative Officer. The County Administrator provides direct supervision of County departments and coordinates long-term strategic planning, performance management and fiscal responsibility in alignment with Commissioners Court goals. The OCA Communications Division supports enterprise communications and outreach efforts across the Office of County Administration and County departments under the County Administrator's supervision. The Division works to inform employees, residents, community partners and other stakeholders about County programs, services, initiatives and priorities through strategic communications across multiple platforms. The Division also supports implementation of the County Strategic Plan by advancing the County’s priorities through strategic media relations, messaging and communications to the public and other stakeholders. Position Summary: The Harris County Office of County Administration (OCA) is seeking a Communications Specialist I to support the Communications Division's digital communications and social media efforts. This position will primarily manage day-to-day social media content, including content development, copywriting, scheduling, publishing, monitoring and content calendar management. This position will also support the development of written communications materials and create and capture content through photography, short-form video and basic graphic design to highlight Harris County programs, services, initiatives, employees, events and accomplishments. The Communications Specialist I works collaboratively with OCA Communications staff, County departments and other stakeholders to develop timely, accurate and engaging content for Harris County audiences. This position supports communications campaigns, public information efforts and event coverage while ensuring content follows Harris County brand, accessibility standards. Duties and Responsibilities:  Manage day-to-day social media content for OCA and Harris County platforms as assigned, including content development, copywriting, scheduling, publishing, monitoring and maintaining content calendars. Create, adapt and publish timely, accurate and engaging content for Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and other digital platforms based on the audience and platform. Monitor social media channels, respond to or appropriately route comments and inquiries, track engagement and identify opportunities for timely content and improved audience engagement. Provide live and real-time social media coverage of County events, announcements, community activities, meetings and other public-facing activities. Draft, edit and proofread social media content, website copy, newsletter content, announcements, informational materials and other communications products for a variety of audiences. Write, edit and proofread social media posts, captions, announcements and other digital communications materials. Capture, edit and prepare photography and short-form video for social media and other communications channels, including event coverage, interviews, announcements, informational content and employee features. Create basic graphics and visual assets and adapt existing templates for social media, email, websites, presentations, flyers and other communications materials while maintaining Harris County brand standards. Track and report basic social media and digital performance metrics and use insights to help improve content and engagement. Assist with website updates, newsletters, announcements, campaigns, community outreach, public information activities and other communications projects as assigned. Maintain organized content calendars, photographs, video files, templates and other digital communications assets. Collaborate with OCA Communications staff, County departments and other stakeholders to coordinate content, event coverage and communications activities, and maintain awareness of relevant social media trends and platform features. May be required to work occasional evenings, weekends or other nontraditional hours to provide communications, photography, video or social media coverage for County events and activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you need special services or accommodations, please call or email Examples of duties Supporting Job Application Documents: Applicants should provide a  cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references and a digital portfolio  or examples of relevant social media, photography, video or other digital content with their application. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, social media, digital content creation or a related field. An Associates Degree may be substituted for additional experience. Experience creating and managing social media or digital content. Working knowledge of photography, video production, basic audio equipment, and related editing equipment and software (Premiere Pro/Final Cut Pro). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of social media, digital communications, content development, marketing and public relations practices. Knowledge of major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube, and their content optimization and audience engagement practices. Knowledge of basic photography, video production, editing and visual storytelling principles. Working knowledge of photo and video editing software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Premiere Pro and Photoshop, or comparable software. Working knowledge of professional photography and video equipment, including mirrorless cameras (Canon EOS R6, and Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM lens), wireless microphones (DJI Mic 3 (2 TX + 1 RX), basic audio equipment, lighting (GVM 1200D PRO RGB LED Video Light Kit) and related accessories. Ability to write, edit, and proofread clear, accurate and engaging content for different audiences and platforms. Skill in photography, photo editing, short-form video production and basic graphic content creation. Skill in using cameras, mobile devices, lighting, audio equipment and related multimedia tools. Ability to manage social media content calendars, scheduling and publishing while meeting deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment when developing and publishing public-facing content. Ability to apply established Harris County brand, accessibility and public-sector communications standards. Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with communications staff, County departments and other stakeholders. Strong organizational, interpersonal and verbal communication skills. NOTE:  Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but  ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. Qualifications Experience managing social media accounts and developing content calendars for a government agency, nonprofit, public-sector organization or other large organization. Experience creating short-form video, photography and visual content for social media and digital communications. Experience with social media scheduling, publishing and analytics platforms, such as Hootsuite or comparable tools. Practical experience using professional photography and video equipment, including mirrorless cameras such as the Canon EOS R6, wireless lavalier microphones, basic audio equipment, lighting and related accessories. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Illustrator, or comparable photo, video and graphic design software. Experience tracking and using social media performance metrics to improve content and audience engagement. Experience supporting communications, marketing, public relations, media relations or community outreach activities, preferably in a government, nonprofit or other public-facing environment. Interest in public service and local government and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends or other non-traditional hours for events and communications activities. Supplemental information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work Regular Full-time Hours will be discussed during departmental interview. The employee may occasionally be required to work evenings, weekends or other non-traditional hours based on event schedules, communications needs or departmental requirements. Salary: Depends on Qualifications Based on 26 Pay Periods Work Environment and Physical Demands:   This position typically operates in a professional office environment but may require travel to County facilities, community locations and event venues throughout Harris County. The position requires regular use of computers, professional photography and video equipment, cameras, mobile devices and other digital communications equipment. Work may involve standing, walking and carrying photography or video equipment and may occur in indoor or outdoor environments during events and activities. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.   Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.