DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Full-Time | On-Site | Reports to: Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
ABOUT US
For more than 25 years, the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) has served as the sports marketing and events agency for the City of Houston and Harris County, helping to position the region as one of the world’s premier destinations for sports.
HCHSA is responsible for bidding on and attracting major sporting events to the Houston area, as well as supporting the marketing and operations that bring them to life. These include the NCAA Final Four, College Football Playoff, CONCACAF Gold Cup, FIFA World Cup 26™, World Baseball Classic, MLB and NBA All-Star Games, National Collegiate Rugby Championships, and the annual National Battle of the Bands.
From global championships to community events, HCHSA continues to elevate Houston’s reputation, drive economic impact, and showcase the city’s passion for sports on the world stage.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Communications is a strategic member of the Marketing & Communications team and a lead storyteller for the organization. This individual is responsible for managing and executing HCHSA’s communications efforts across media relations, digital platforms, stakeholder messaging, and public-facing content. Through compelling narratives and cohesive messaging, the Director helps elevate the organization’s visibility, transparency, and impact.
The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and relationship builder with a strong network of media contacts and a proven ability to produce timely, accurate, and engaging communications. With experience navigating both the public sector and sports industry, this individual thrives in fast-paced environments and collaborates effectively across functions to deliver high-impact messaging.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day media relations, press inquiries, and interview coordination, in alignment with communications strategy set by the Senior Director
- Draft and manage the production of press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing documents, newsletters, speeches, and executive remarks
- Implement earned media strategies that support organizational initiatives, public events, community programs, and venue operations
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media outlets across sports, civic, and business sectors
- Support internal and external messaging for major announcements, crisis situations, and high-profile events, escalating issues to the Senior Director as appropriate
- Collaborate with marketing and events teams to ensure consistency in messaging across all platforms
- Assist in planning and executing media logistics for press conferences, venue openings, bid events, public meetings, and large-scale sports events
- Manage and maintain media distribution lists, press kits, and digital media materials
- Oversee content and messaging strategies for the HCHSA website and social media channels, working closely with the digital and creative teams
- Monitor media coverage, sentiment, and trends, preparing regular reports and insights to inform communications planning and strategy
- Ensure all communications comply with public records laws, accessibility standards, and government transparency requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
- 8+ years of progressive communications experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role
- Experience in the sports industry, venue management, or major event communications strongly preferred
- Work with or within public sector agencies or government-affiliated organizations is a plus
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to manage complex communications in high-visibility, stakeholder-driven environments
- Demonstrated success managing multiple deadlines and workstreams in fast-paced, collaborative settings
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with political sensitivity and sound judgment
- Skilled spokesperson and media liaison, comfortable representing the organization in public and press settings as needed
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively across competing priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Meltwater or similar media monitoring tools is a plus
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and responsiveness
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Harris County - Houston Sports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
