Join our Executive Office and assist in offering important public health information to people in Galveston County.

Galveston County Health District is seeking a Director of Communications!

The right candidate will be responsible for providing leadership in the development and implementation of strategies and practices for communicating easy-to-understand information about public health emergencies or threats and District initiatives to various audiences. The DOC serves as the District’s media and public spokesperson in routine and crisis communication situations.

We can offer you:

• Excellent benefits; including an amazing retirement package, affordable medical insurance, paid time off plans, FREE life insurance, FREE long-term disability, FREE parking and much, much more!
• Team-oriented environment
• Salary Rate: Based on experience

We want you to join our team of professionals and begin a long-term career with us! If you meet the criteria listed below, please apply.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or a related field required.
• Master’s degree highly preferred.
• 7+ years of experience as public information officer or related role.
• 3+ years of work experience in media with emphasis in writing/reporting.
• 3+ years of work experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies.
• 7+ years of experience in government or public health setting; and/or experience in planning, development, preparation, and dissemination of public information.
• 5+ years management experience.
• Knowledge of public health laws and public health preparedness and response procedures.
• May be required to travel on short notice.
• Experience working with various social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Snapchat).
• Must be able to communicate pertinent Health District information to both external and internal parties in a clear and concise manner and in a format that is appropriate to the reader required.
• Must be accessible 24/7 for media inquiries.
• Ability for spur of the moment transportation without relying on organization vehicles.
• Must possess or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Department of Motor Vehicle check may be required, if applicable.
• Customer Service Oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent Computer Skills MS Office and other publishing programs.
• Must be willing and able to work evening and weekend hours if necessary.
• Must be in compliance with GCHD Immunizations policy.
• Must be in compliance with ICS training requirements.
• Must pass criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening.

An equivalent combination of education and work experience which appropriately demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above described essential functions will be considered when hiring for this role.

Traditional Duties:

• Prepares health/risk information for the public, media and key partners during public health emergencies or threats by coordinating well-researched, accurate and consistent information from official sources, including the Local Health Authority (LHA)
• Prepares information tailored to specific audiences and disseminates the information using the most effective channels of communication.
• Conducts needs assessments to evaluate the emergency communication needs of partners in the local emergency response system.
• Assists in the development and implementation of GCHD’s public health preparedness and response plan.
• Coordinates with public health preparedness to develop and maintain updated public information so they can be distributed in a timely manner when needed.
• Develops a draft plan for preparing and effectively disseminating public information to key stakeholders and the general public as applicable to the event.
• Serves as the District’s media and public spokesperson on behalf of the LHA, CEO, CHW Executive Director
• Ethically accountable for conveying accurate and appropriate information to the media and general public in accordance with federal, state, and local laws; rules, policies and procedures adopted by the United Board of Health, the Governing Board, and its executive officers.
• Arranges media interviews of appropriate staff.
• Acts as social media and website administrator and trains appropriate staff on use of the platforms in accordance with the District’s communications policy.
• Manages communications-related activities including marketing, social media, creative services, media relations, public relations, and website.
• Serves as spokesperson for Health District and Coastal Health & Wellness
• Provides public relations guidance to CEO/ local health authority and executive leadership team.
• Provides knowledge and support to program managers for effective communication.
• Offers media training for internal staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, government officials, community stakeholders and media representatives.
• Develops communications-related policies and procedures.
• Manages and executes communications-related Strategic Health Plan initiatives.
• Monitors and reports media coverage and social media presence.
• Creates and distributes multiple external and internal monthly newsletters.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

No Phone Calls Please

ADA/EEO/DFWP

Our Mission: Protecting and Promoting the Optimal Health and Well-Being of Galveston County