SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (OPD)
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 5 PM
PURPOSE
Functions as Program Assistant between the City administration and the community, providing reference services and information assistance.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) is the primary advocate for the rights and needs of over 215,000 Houstonians with disabilities. The Office serves as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to the disability community. OPD's vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all Houstonians.

We achieve our vision by providing and participating in programs and services which address the needs and rights of Houstonians with disabilities, including:

* Facilitating delivery of services
* Acting as liaison to Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD)
* Making recommendations to public and private entities regarding the development of policy and legislation
* Establishing local, state and national partnerships to promote community integration and awareness
* Organizes virtual and in person meetings of the Houston Commission on Disabilities (HCOD).

Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Communications Strategy & Management:

* Work with consultants to lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive multi-media accessibility guide for City departments.
* Serve as a liaison to City departments implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
* Monitor and audit the Department of Neighborhoods' digital media.
* Work with the City of Houston webmaster to write, design, and develop the Department of Neighborhoods, Office for People with Disabilities, and Houston Commission on Disabilities webpages.
* Manage the Office for People with Disabilities and Houston Commission on Disabilities social media channels and coordinate with the Department of Neighborhoods’ digital media strategy in compliance with City policy.
* Draft and prepare talking points, speeches, and presentations for office leadership.
* Represent the Department of Neighborhoods, the Office for People with Disabilities, and the Houston Commission on Disabilities on internal and external committees and working groups.

Grant and Events:

* Support DON and OPD with grant writing, research, and compliance activities, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
* Assist in planning and provide recommendations for major annual events, including the ReelAbilities Film and Arts Festival, ADA Anniversary Celebration, and the Annual Houston Disability Celebration, working closely with the event lead.

Emergency Management:

* Participate in emergency management activations as needed, which may require overnight shifts.
* Assist in scheduling ASL interpreters for press conferences.
* Help develop messaging by incorporating communications strategies.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in art, design, communications, typography or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of experience in media, public relations, the art field or a closely related field are required.

SUBSTITUTION: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Accessibility Subject Matter Expertise (Critical)

* Standards & Compliance: Deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (Levels A and AA) and relevant laws (e.g., Section 508, ADA).
* Testing & Remediation: Hands-on experience testing content using screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) and other Assistive Technologies (AT). Ability to perform manual checks and use automated tools (e.g., Axe, WAVE).
* Accessible Content Creation: Proven skill in creating or modifying content formats (e.g., PDF remediation, accessible MS Word/Google Docs, video captions/transcripts) to meet accessibility standards.
* Advocacy & Training: Ability to serve as an internal accessibility champion, translating technical requirements into plain language and providing actionable guidance to colleagues.

Software and Technical Proficiency

* Content Creation & Design:
* Advanced MS Office/Google Workspace: Mastery of accessibility features in PowerPoint/Slides and Word/Docs for professional, compliant communications.
* Graphic Design (Basic to Intermediate): Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop) or Canva to guide accessible multimedia creation.
* Digital Platforms: Experience using professional social media management (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) and email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), applying accessibility best practices within those channels to execute a strategy, measure impact, and report outcomes.

Core Communications and Analyst Skills

* Written and Oral Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills for drafting complex documents and presenting to diverse audiences.
* Strategic Planning: Ability to develop, execute, and measure integrated communication plans that embed accessibility from the planning stage.
* Project & Stakeholder Management: Skill in managing complex projects and coordinating effectively with senior, diverse stakeholders (including legal, IT, and executives). Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail for quality assurance and error-free, compliant content.
* Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
* Familiarity and awareness of current events and policy issues, both locally and nationally, that may affect the work of the department
* Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
* ASL proficiency is not required but preferred.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None
However, the department may administer, and the applicant must successfully complete a skills-assessment relevant to job description.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 20

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .
To view detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0350.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, if selected to advance in recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected status or characteristic.

The city offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, wellness, supplemental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement pension, 457 deferred compensation plan, employee assistance program, vacation, holidays, sick leave, personal leave, flexible schedules, hybrid-telework for eligible positions, professional development opportunities, transportation/parking plan, section 125 pretax deductions, dependent care reimbursement plan, paid prenatal, parental and infant wellness leaves, healthcare flexible spending account.
Visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html for plan details.

Closing Date/Time: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Central