Community Relations Specialist

Position Overview:

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is transforming the way we do government and is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated Community Relations Specialist to join our team and shape the vision for the future of Harris County.

The Community Relations Specialist will serve in the External Affairs division, as part of the division’s Community Relations team. In this role, the Community Relations Specialist will focus on the planning and execution of various community programs throughout Harris County. The Community Relations Specialist reports to the Director of Community Relations.

Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing.

Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County’s Director of Emergency Management.

• Execute the community outreach strategy to strengthen relationships, identify issues of interest and concern to increase understanding of and support for Harris County, and advance the mission and goals of the office.
• Build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including community members, and organizations in Harris County.
• Identify events and opportunities for outreach in the community.
• Attend commissioners court and research issues raised by constituents.
• Plan and attend meetings and events across the County to develop partnerships and share County information.
• Monitor the progress of community engagement activities and develop and execute program evaluations.
• Attend community relations team meetings, sharing best practices and information gleaned from community meetings.
• Prepare and submit engagement activity reports.
• Work with community partners to identify and monitor issues that should be brought to the office’s attention.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call  or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• Cover letter
• Resume

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing responsibility.
• Professional experience in Community Engagement or Public Relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and readiness to work on several projects simultaneously.

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituents in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of issues and events in the county; especially where the County Judge is involved.
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, in a deadline driven work environment.
• Self-starter and highly adaptable, while handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to finish work under tight deadlines with minimum supervision and quickly changing priorities.
• Skilled at initiating conversations with various stakeholders to determine important matters to them and their communities.
• Has a can-do attitude and is resourceful. Encourages a respectful and collaborative work environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality and sound judgment, maintain composure under pressure and manage time efficiently.
• Organized and goal driven.
• Has the ability and willingness to travel, as required.

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.

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Note: Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.