Community Relations Specialist

Department: Public Affairs

Reports To: Director of Communications

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (FLSA)

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Location: Houston, Texas (Hybrid), Galveston Island / Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) is a special-purpose district created by the Texas Legislature under S.B. 1160, 87th Regular Session, to serve as the non-federal sponsor for the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) and Coastal Texas (CTX) coastal storm risk management projects. Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a 65/35 federal-to-local cost-share, GCPD is responsible for managing nearly $1 billion in state appropriations and coordinating one of the largest coastal infrastructure programs in the nation, protecting millions of people and billions of dollars of assets along the Texas Gulf Coast.

GCPD is a small, high-impact organization with a lean professional staff. Every team member plays a meaningful role in delivering a historically significant public infrastructure program.

GCPD seeks a Community Relations Specialist with a passion for building strong connections and fostering collaboration across Galveston County, Texas, specifically on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. As a trusted representative of our organization, the ideal candidate will excel at engaging diverse communities, creating meaningful partnerships, and promoting awareness of the Gulf Coast Protection District’s mission and the Coastal Texas Project—the largest coastal protection project in U.S. history.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in social settings, enjoys working with community organizations, and is enthusiastic about creating opportunities for dialogue and participation. The position involves attending community events, hosting informational sessions, and ensuring residents and local groups are informed, engaged, and responded to.

Travel Required: Must be able to attend events in Galveston County, TX, often after hours or on weekends. Mileage is reimbursable.

• Build and maintain relationships with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and community groups.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives that educate and involve residents in coastal protection efforts.
• Stay informed about community needs and concerns to help shape engagement strategies.

• Organize and participate in community meetings, town halls, and informational sessions in collaboration with partners such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office.
• Represent the organization at local events, fairs, and civic gatherings to share project updates and gather feedback.

• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging and ensure consistent public communication across all Coastal Texas Project components.
• Interface with GCPD leadership and the Board of Directors by preparing reports and presentations on community engagement activities and outcomes.
• Interface with local media outlets and serve as a spokesperson when appropriate, ensuring consistent and positive messaging.

• Contribute to District communications efforts by submitting materials (e.g., newsletter articles, press releases, social media content, Op-Eds, and headline hook graphics) that highlight GCPD activities.
• Assist with GCPD social media by taking photos, videos, and creating engaging content from the community events attended.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, or a related field. Or 5+ years’ experience in a government relations or community relations role in…