Job Summary

Oversees the College's communications and marketing framework, including public relations, earned media, marketing, brand governance, institutional messaging, and reputation management to ensure alignment with student success priorities, institutional priorities, and brand standards across all platforms.

Executive level staff at HCC are system-wide leaders that share the responsibility to collaboratively support the one-college vision articulated in our strategic plan - Embracing Houston's Future - with college strategic priorities as measurable manifestations of our shared Mission, Vision, and Values.

Responsible for the design, execution, and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Manages Talent Engagement activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, and performance evaluations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop and execute integrated communications and marketing plans that support student recruitment, retention, workforce initiatives, and institutional visibility priorities.

Identify and coordinate earned media and publicity opportunities by preparing pitches, coordinating outreach, and supporting media placements that enhance the College's local, regional, and national visibility.

Assist with crisis communications by coordinating response activities, drafting messaging, monitoring media coverage, and ensuring timely dissemination of approved communications.

Ensure all communications, marketing materials, digital content, publications, website content, and promotional assets comply with College brand standards, messaging guidelines, and editorial protocols, ensuring district-wide brand consistency across all colleges and departments.

Serve as the primary liaison to College Communications Directors to ensure consistent execution of communications plans, alignment of messaging, and uniform application of brand standards across the district.

Manage website messaging governance and content standards to ensure accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and alignment with institutional priorities and brand requirements.

Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, emerging issues, and reputational risks, providing updates and recommendations.

Develop, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications, marketing, media relations, website performance, brand consistency, and campaign effectiveness, prepare regular reports summarizing trends, outcomes, and operational performance to support decision-making.

Implement communications protocols, workflows, and approval processes to ensure consistency and effective execution of district-wide and college-level communications.

Maintain awareness of industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovative technologies in communications, marketing, and media relations to drive organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Build and maintain relationships with professional communications and higher education organizations, industry associations, and peer networks to exchange best practices, identify emerging issues, and strengthen institutional visibility and strategic partnerships.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
• Master's degree in related field required
• 8 years experience in large private or public organizations, overseeing fast-paced multimedia communications operations including: strategic planning, website development, social media, digital marketing, video production and written communications required
• Experience overseeing and executing specialized assignments that include numerous stakeholders, and the use of multiple communications platforms preferred

Licensing & Certification
• Valid Texas Driver License

Special Skills
• MS Office Programs
• Information Management Systems
• Budget Management
• Digital Engagement Platforms
• Excellent Writing and Editing Skills
• Speaking Presence
• Understanding of the local and national media landscape and target audiences, as well as knowledge of the Houston and Texas communities
• Large Group Presentations

Competencies
• Acting as a Champion for Change
• Thinking like an Entrepreneur
• Driving for Results
• Leveraging Opportunities
• Setting a Strategic Vision
• Attracting & Developing Talent
• Inspiring & Motivating Others
• Acting Strategically
• Demonstrating Beliefs & Principals
• Managing Resources

Working Conditions

General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner. Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE: This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Location

Houston is a city with limitless possibilities:

• Fourth-largest city in the U.S. and home to 54 Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York City's 55.
• Approximately 145 languages are spoken here.
• Overall after-taxes living costs are 5.6 percent below the average for all 308 urban areas recently surveyed.
• Houston is a major-league sports town, and don't forget the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
• The weather is great! Mild winters ensure that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
• World-renowned medical care. The Houston metro area has long been known for its first-rate healthcare system, with many Houston area hospitals consistently ranking among the nation's top institutions.
• With over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, museums are a large part of Houston's cultural scene.
• Houston is the Culture & Culinary Capital of Texas with more than 7,500 restaurants and eating establishments covering 60+ cuisines.

If this sounds like the role for you and you're ready to join an amazing team, please apply right away.