Fort Bend County is ranked one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Located in the Southwestern part of the 13 county Houston-Galveston Metropolitan area, Fort Bend County has seen significant growth over the past fifty years. The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all. We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home. Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Health Communications Coordinator will serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Department (FBCHHS) and will be under the supervision of the Communications, Education, and Engagement Director.  The PIO will plan, collect, prepare, coordinate and disseminate relevant public health information. The PIO will prepare speeches, release announcements, press releases and coordinate public health information campaigns.  The PIO will serve as the liaison connecting the health department to key stakeholders, communications and media representatives, community and civic groups, public agencies and private organizations for public health education and risk communication. This position will require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department. This position will require work in public health sensitive situations, requiring the ability to maintain confidentiality and to operate in accordance with all federal laws, state statutes, county ordinances, and other regulations such as HIPAA. Supervises communications team, oversees team meetings and provides a focus on gathering and sharing relevant, up-to-date, public health information and data. Responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and coordinating public health communication. Provides internal and external communications and marketing expertise for all divisions within FBCHHS and website. Participates in planning of programs, policies or objectives for own work group and department. The above responsibilities are highlights of key responsibilities and not a full list, other responsibilities may be performed, as assigned. 

• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates traditional communication and message strategies that meet the Department mission and goals. 
• Under the direction of the Health Communications Director, assists with implementation and updating of the Communication Plan and Risk Communication Plan. 
• Guided by the Health Communication Director, shares public health-related information with the public including but not limited data from the Community Health Assessment, the Community Health Improvement Plan, the Department Strategic Plan and other reports. 
• Shares information across and between FBCHHS divisions to align and improve service delivery. 
• Provides marketing and communications expertise in the development and implementation of printed and online publications, websites, presentations and collateral materials. 
• Partners with organizations and online partners to develop effective and cost-efficient opportunities for message planning, research, message development and message delivery. 
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, partners, contractors and stakeholders. 
• Works with divisions to develop content for posting on various digital media outlets, including ensuring consistency across communication channels and working within state requirements and guidelines. 
• Ensures communication activities are based on the Essential Public Health Services, accepted principles, methods and best practices. 
• Participates in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Communications or related degree. 
• Three years of relevant experience. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple communications platforms, excellent written, oral communication and organizational skills.
• Must have public speaking experience, as well as excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in the form of business English, spelling, letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation. 
• Must have ability to communicate and interact effectively with a wide variety of people, establishing and maintaining positive working relationships. Spoken and comprehension proficiency in a language other than English is a plus.
• Must have ability to be diplomatic, yet firm, with high ethical standards and to work calmly, effectively and decisively in emergency situations, solving and managing highly sensitive issues while subject to public scrutiny.
• Must be willing to learn public health in general and Fort Bend County Health & Human Services specifically methods of communication in order to meet communications goals and objectives for the health of residents.
• Extensive experience with social media and ability to translate data into understandable public health messages.  
• Proficient Microsoft Office software skills.  
• Ability to coordinate high functioning work teams.  Ability to deal effectively with the public, the media and other employees.
• Valid Drivers’ License. 
• Experience working with community coalitions or collaborative groups.  Must be able to work with diverse community partners.  
• Requires some evenings and weekend work, and may require some overnight travel.

SALARY RANGE: $31.01 - $38.81 per hour based on qualifications

CLOSING DATE:  Upon filling position

All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.

Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.

For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply

To be considered for employment, all interested candidates must complete the required Fort Bend County online employment application located at www.fortbendcounty.jobs