Communications Marketing Specialist III

Communications & Media Specialist

Under the guidance of leadership, the Communications & Media Specialist develops written, visual, and digital content for website, email, social media, and community-facing platforms. This position supports county-wide operations serving approximately 5 million residents and 20,000 employees across 80 departments by promoting the Office of the Purchasing Agent's services, initiatives, vendor relations efforts, and outreach objectives.

This role creates clear, engaging content that aligns with required branding and style standards, supports community and stakeholder engagement, and strengthens awareness of Purchasing programs and opportunities throughout Harris County. This role performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures while exercising strong communication, diplomacy, and judgment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops written, visual, and digital content for Purchasing platforms and outreach channels, including website updates, newsletters, social media, promotional materials, event support materials, photography, videography, and short-form video that promote department services, initiatives, and public engagement.
• Represents the Office of the Purchasing Agent at community events, vendor functions, departmental meet and greets, outreach activities, and County engagements to strengthen public awareness, support relationship building, and promote Purchasing services and initiatives.
• Plans, coordinates, and supports vendor outreach events, community-facing functions, internal engagement efforts, and cross-department activities, including event preparation, stakeholder coordination, on-site support, follow-up communication, and content capture.
• Coordinates with internal departments, the Press Office, Communications, vendors, and external stakeholders to ensure messaging aligns with County priorities, department goals, branding standards, and the operational needs of Harris County Purchasing.
• Promotes Harris County objectives through outreach, communications, event support, and public-facing materials that broaden awareness of procurement opportunities and encourage inclusive participation in vendor and community engagement activities.
• Monitors communication needs, social media activity, audience engagement, and current content opportunities to recommend ideas, maintain accessible and ADA-conscious messaging, provide responsive customer service, and manage multiple assignments and frequent off-site outreach activity.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. 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.

Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Media, Public Administration, or a directly related field required. Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in communications, social media management, digital content creation, public outreach, event support, photography, videography, or community-facing engagement required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strong written and verbal communication skills required, along with proficiency in standard office software and common content creation platforms, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and interact professionally with vendors, departments, and the public. Knowledge of procurement and contract compliance principles, public purchasing methods, internal controls, and the application of local, state, and federal requirements in a governmental environment. Skill in reviewing, organizing, comparing, and analyzing records, contract files, solicitations, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance. Ability to interpret policies, statutes, regulations, and procedural requirements and apply them across varied funding sources, departments, and procurement project types. Skill in preparing clear findings, reports, and recommendations and communicating compliance issues effectively with internal stakeholders and operational partners. Ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain attention to detail, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferences Procurement experience and contract compliance is preferred. Progressively responsible experience in communications, media support, vendor outreach, community engagement, or public-facing content development preferred.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Location: Harris County Purchasing Office Building 1111 Fannin St 12th Floor | Houston, TX 77002 Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.