Director, Communications AND POLICY - Precinct

Summary

The Communications and Policy Director will assist with the daily functions of the County Commissioner’s Office, providing essential services that support the review and creation of public policy and communications efforts that inform County stakeholders. This position manages numerous projects independently and collaboratively. The ideal candidate possesses strong research, analysis, and advanced writing skills, including speech writing, is self‑starting, works independently, collaborates with a larger team, has prior experience with an elected official, strong interpersonal skills, and familiarity with traditional and digital communications platforms and their governing laws in a governmental environment.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Possess a strong understanding of the statutes and case law that inform and shape county governments, or the ability to get up to speed quickly
• Review policy and budget proposals, form recommendations and briefs for Commissioner and staff
• Research potential policy and budget proposals, assess feasibility, and propose solutions
• Identify challenges in all departments within county government proactively and devise and present actionable solutions
• Craft policy language, policy briefs, one‑pagers, policy presentations, and other written documents as needed
• Conduct regular investigations into best practices, solutions, and models from other counties in Texas and across the country
• Provide speech writing expertise
• Serve as primary point of contact for press inquiries, requests for comment, and interview requests for Commissioner Precinct 2
• Coordinate with press contacts to schedule and facilitate press interviews as needed
• Oversee the maintenance and updating of the Commissioner’s official Precinct 2 website and social media channels
• Identify content and, along with Precinct management staff and road and bridge staff, draft the official newsletter for Commissioner Precinct 2, working with other county departments as needed
• Identify opportunities for Commissioner to participate in media proactively
• Monitor communications channels (e.g., social media channels, email inboxes) and use sound judgment to assess need for engagement of other staff and departments
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Advanced analytical skills
• Strong writing and document formatting skills
• Superior project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Experience locating, securing, and synthesizing diverse information, sound research skills, and ability to find and extract information from a variety of sources including the internet and telephone conversations
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to stay organized and prioritize workload
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Attention to detail and strong verbal skills at all levels including one‑on‑one, event networking, and public speaking
• Administrative skills and etiquette in operations of an office
• Effective communication with County employees and the public

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in communications or a related field
• Seven (7) years of experience in policy communications or public affairs, with a strong track record of success in communications leadership roles

• Large urban county government experience
• Knowledgeable and able to scrutinize and analyze county budgets
• Adept at reviewing commissioners court agendas with precision
• Experience working for an elected official(s)

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health…