Senior Communications Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

PN#36964
Division: Communications
Reporting Location: 500 McKinne y
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

For additional information regarding the Houston Public Library please visit: http://houstonlibrary.org

Public libraries are trusted community and cultural centers that serve a highly diverse populace. The Houston Public Library (HPL) is a forward-thinking library organization, situated in the nation’s fourth largest city serving a diverse population of 2.2 million people. At Houston Public Library (HPL), we understand that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge, and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success.

The Houston Public Library (HPL) seeks to link people to the world, through a broadly defined platform of educational, recreational, and cultural programs and services for persons of all ages, ethnicities, and life stages throughout Houston and the surrounding region.

HPL is seeking a highly driven, talented, and experienced professional to serve as Website Content Lead (Senior Communications Specialist) with the Marketing & Communication Division.

The successful candidate will be abreast of current trends impacting libraries in today’s technology driven society and delivering results within a high-performance environment.

The Senior Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with internal customers to design and build web content to effectively share information with Houston’s diverse population.

Candidates will be required to show examples of the work during the interview.

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops the layout and user interface of web pages and content.
• Creates, lays out, and publishes web pages and content using various content management systems.
• Refreshes website content to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information. Performs regular site updates and conducts periodic usability tests of web applications and links ensuring effective use and display of information.
• Develops color schemes and designs and produces graphics. May integrate video/audio into interactive or multimedia presentations.
• Responds to requests and ideas from internal and external website users.
• Monitors site to optimize content according to search engine optimization.
• Continually raises the bar on creativity by curating content and building and editing web pages that connect with the targeted audience and drives desired action.
• Uses content management systems to analyze website traffic and user engagement metrics.
• Provides limited supervision of work assignments for departmental volunteers and/or other department employees.
• Provides feedback to the Department’s varied program areas about website concerns and issues, with the goal of strengthening the brand of HPL.
• Performs other duties as delegated by the Deputy Assistant Director.

For additional information regarding the Houston Public Library please visit: http://houstonlibrary.org
WORKING CONDITIONS
There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations and may require stooping and bending; lifting of materials up to 50 pounds. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two (2) years of experience in media, public relations, the art field or a closely related field are required.

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

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

PREFERENCES
Preference shall be given to applicants with:

• Expert knowledge of web content management systems.
• Experience developing, designing, and building web pages or maintaining a website for a large organization highly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to diverse audiences.

• Displays well developed critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and ability to integrate information across silos.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Excellent computer skills, particularly in relation to HTML, spreadsheets, search engine optimization (SEO), and Microsoft Office applications.
• Direct experience with video coordination, shooting and production (including post).

• Ability to work under time constraints to achieve deliverables.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1- 6.* *

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED No
Department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes

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. The salary range for this position is:

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 your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832.393.1472 .

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.393.1472 . (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855.524.5627 .

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a 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 that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable 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

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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