Communications Specialist - External Affairs

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (External Affairs)
Division: Director’s Office
Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 7TH Floor
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm *Subject to Change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Office of Business Opportunity’s (OBO) vision is to eliminate systemic barriers to prosperity and economic opportunity in the Greater Houston region. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive and competitive economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

OBO executes on this vision and mission by administering the City’s supplier diversity program, assisting new and growing businesses through targeted programming, and advocating for small businesses at the local, state, and national level. In order to significantly increase the number, capacity, and success of businesses in Houston, OBO certifies Minority, Women, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWSDBE) and Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises, performs compliance monitoring activities on City contracts, and facilitates business development and capacity building programs for businesses.

Of note, Houston is the 4th largest City in the US. Individuals employed by the City of Houston are part of one of the most diverse workforces in the country. The City has a reputation of training and equipping employees with tools and skills that help them advance in their careers. Here, you will find unlimited career growth potential, on-the-job training, safe work environment, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities. City employees are a part of an institution that sets the trend for other organizations and states, while touching the lives, businesses, health, and well-being of all Houstonians. Additionally, the City offers comprehensive benefit options, generous leave programs, and employee discounts.

The Communications Specialist will play a vital role in advancing OBO’s mission by supporting internal and external communications, elevating OBO’s brand presence, and developing high-quality content for diverse audiences. The position requires strong writing, editing, and design skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Content Development & Editing
  • Draft, edit, and proofread a variety of communication materials, including scripts, speeches, talking points, newsletter articles, press releases, and web/social media content.
  • Produce OBO’s quarterly newsletter, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and audience engagement.
• Marketing & Creative Services
  • Design and develop marketing collateral such as flyers, brochures, infographics, videos, impact reports, white papers, and branded content.
  • Apply graphic design and photography skills to strengthen OBO’s visual identity and storytelling.
• Digital & Social Media Management
  • Oversee OBO’s social media presence by maintaining a content calendar, posting updates, and responding to audience inquiries.
  • Use analytics tools to track engagement, evaluate impact, and inform future social media strategies.
• Program & Event Support
  • Assist with event promotion and logistics, including the creation of displays, exhibits, and other special projects.
  • Contribute to grant writing efforts to secure funding for OBO programs.
• Compliance & Public Information
  • Manage Texas Public Information Act requests in alignment with City of Houston standards.
  • Perform additional communications-related duties as assigned.

Driving is an essential function of this position, as the selected candidate must have a Valid Driver's License and be compliant with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, Communications, Media Relations, English, or a field related to work being performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Six months of experience in media, public relations, art or field related to the work being performed are required. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid Texas Driver’s License and compliance with the City of Houston’s policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skillsets:

• Written and oral fluency in Spanish is preferred not required

• Very strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate comfortably and at appropriate level of summary and detail across multiple levels
• Experience in journalism, marketing or public relations
• Copy editing experience with superior attention to detail and knowledge of AP style
• Experience producing social media content in a professional business environment and knowledge of best practices
• Experience with graphic design for the purpose of producing flyers, announcements, brochures and reports in a professional business environment
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or other graphic design platforms
• Effective time management and organization skills

**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: Yes
The department will administer, and the applicant must successfully complete, a skills-assessment relevant to job description.

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.

Paygrade: 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. 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 832-393-6051. If you need special services or accommodations, call. (832-393-6051) (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: 10/1/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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