DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT (SR STAFF ANALYST (EXE LEV)

Job Description:

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT (SR STAFF ANALYST (EXE LEV)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: COMMUNICATIONS & ENAGAGEMENT
REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY ST., 8TH FL.
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the guidance of the Controller or designee, the Senior Staff Analyst will function as the Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement to help facilitate the efficient and smooth day-to-day operations of the Communications and Engagement Division of the City Controller’s Office. This position will assist with brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, and crisis communications. The Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Communications and Engagement Division, in concert with the Director. In this capacity, this position leads fast-paced, high-level narrative and communications strategy for the Office of the City Controller.

The Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement will lead efforts to engage and mobilize diverse community and stakeholder groups, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into the Controller’s Office initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships and build coalitions that advance the City Controller’s mission. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, evaluate complex issues, interpret financial and operational data, and provide executive-level recommendations in a fast-paced environment.

The Senior Staff Analyst duties will include but are not limited to:

• Manages the daily operations of the public information function, including overseeing staff responsible for research and compilation of statistical and historical data.
• Represents the department as a spokesperson and acts as a liaison between the department and the community. Attends various civic, council, business, and stakeholder meetings, public dedications, and other public events.
• Assists with the preparation and distribution of responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries, and City Council requests, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and promptness.
• Oversees community engagement efforts with constituency groups, neighborhood organizations, governmental entities, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Assists the Director of Communications with all aspects related to brand management, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, internal communications, digital engagement, and crisis communications.
• Conducts research, analysis, and evaluation of complex financial, operational, management, public policy, and communications issues and prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and briefing materials for executive leadership.
• Develops and monitors performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and engagement analytics to assess program effectiveness, measure outcomes, identify trends, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assists in the development, administration, and monitoring of divisional budgets, contracts, procurement activities, and financial resources to ensure compliance with City policies and efficient utilization of resources.
• Performs quantitative and qualitative analyses related to communications programs, public engagement initiatives, strategic priorities, and organizational performance.
• Reviews and analyzes legislation, ordinances, regulations, policy proposals, and administrative directives to determine operational, financial, and stakeholder impacts and develops recommendations for executive consideration.
• Completes special projects as needed, working on a wide variety of financial, administrative, professional, management, strategic planning, and community engagement issues and problems of a high complexity.
• Represents the City Controller at meetings and functions to gather information, build strategic partnerships, and articulate the priorities, positions, and recommendations of the Controller’s Office.
• Monitors, reviews, analyzes, and responds to public feedback, stakeholder concerns, and emerging issues affecting departmental activities and initiatives.
• Develops executive reports, policy memoranda, strategic plans, dashboards, and presentations for the Controller, senior leadership, City Council, external stakeholders, and the public.
• Assists with organizational planning, project management, change management initiatives, and implementation of strategic priorities and special initiatives.
• Conducts operational assessments and recommends process improvements to enhance organizational efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, transparency, and customer service.
• Handles extremely sensitive, confidential, and politically sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Prepares, edits, and revises departmental policies, procedures, administrative directives, and operational guidelines as directed. Responds to correspondence, requests for information, and special assignments from the City Controller or designee.
• Negotiates solutions for complex organizational, operational, stakeholder, and communications challenges.
• Provides strategic counsel and recommendations to executive leadership regarding communications, public engagement, policy matters, organizational initiatives, performance management, and financial or operational impacts of proposed actions.
• May supervise professional, technical, and administrative personnel and oversee the execution of major projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the City Controller or designee and serves as liaison with City departments, governmental agencies, community organizations, external stakeholders, and other offices.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. but may periodically be subject to outdoor conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Journalism, Economics, or a closely related field to the type of work being performed.

Graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year for year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required.

Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates that have brand management experience, programmatic communications strategy and narrative experience, internal communications management experience, and crisis communications experience.
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.
• Understanding of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing.
• Working knowledge of content management systems, HTML coding, and digital graphic production.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing.
• Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities.
• Strong leadership track record.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Use of appropriate written and verbal language and grammar with minimal errors.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple demands and customer needs using a variety of methods and best practices while incorporating customer feedback.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)

**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 No
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: 28

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
• 13 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: 7/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$85,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annually