SENIOR DIRECTOR – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Full-Time | On-Site | Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Director of Marketing & Communications is a visionary leader responsible for shaping, executing, and elevating the organization’s marketing, branding, and communications strategies. This role drives the narrative of Houston’s global sports presence, amplifies the visibility of events, and advances the region’s economic and community impact through compelling storytelling, strategic engagement, and innovative campaigns.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director serves as the primary advisor to executive leadership on brand positioning, public relations, digital presence, and stakeholder communications. The ideal candidate is an experienced, creative, and results-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-profile environment and is passionate about promoting Houston as a world-class sports destination.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-year marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational goals and growth initiatives.
- Serve as brand steward, ensuring consistent identity, voice, and messaging across all organizational touchpoints.
- Provide strategic direction to marketing, communications, digital, and public relations teams, fostering innovation and alignment.
Marketing & Branding
- Oversee the creation and execution of integrated campaigns that elevate Houston’s position as a premier global sports destination.
- Manage brand development, visual identity, and creative production across print, digital, broadcast, and experiential platforms.
- Translate economic impact and civic pride into compelling narratives for local, national, and international audiences.
Event Marketing & Promotions
- Lead high-profile event marketing campaigns to drive ticket sales, fan engagement, sponsor visibility, and media coverage.
- Partner with bid teams to craft persuasive messaging and promotional materials for future event acquisition.
- Tailor marketing plans to meet the unique needs of each event, from grassroots activations to global broadcasts.
Communications & Media Relations
- Direct all organizational communications, including press releases, executive remarks, speeches, and newsletters.
- Develop and manage crisis communications plans, providing rapid, strategic guidance during high-profile situations.
- Maintain strong relationships with local, state, national, and international media, as well as community stakeholders and industry partners.
Digital & Content Strategy
- Oversee digital marketing, social media strategy, website management, and content creation for year-round engagement.
- Lead creative teams (in-house and contracted) to produce high-quality video, photography, and social-first storytelling.
- Monitor analytics and audience insights to refine strategies and maximize reach, engagement, and ROI.
Stakeholder Engagement & Community Relations
- Collaborate with city and county leaders, tourism bureaus, venue operators, sponsors, and sports federations to ensure unified messaging.
- Design campaigns that reflect the diversity of Harris County’s population, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
- Serve as the public voice for civic activations, legacy programs, and community impact initiatives tied to organizational events.
Team & Budget Management
- Lead and mentor a high-performing marketing and communications team, promoting creativity, collaboration, and accountability.
- Develop and oversee multi-year budgets for large-scale events, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximum impact.
- Manage vendor and agency partnerships, including creative services, media buying, production, and technology providers.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven success in developing and executing high-impact marketing strategies in complex, event-driven organizations.
- Experience managing multi-channel campaigns, cross-functional teams, and high-profile projects.
Skills & Competencies
- Expertise in integrated marketing, digital and social media strategy, and brand storytelling.
- Exceptional written, visual, and verbal communication skills; skilled and confident media spokesperson.
- Strong understanding of event marketing, community engagement, and public-private partnerships.
- Proficiency with marketing analytics tools, CRM systems, and digital content platforms.
- Highly organized, diplomatic, and adept at managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism.
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.
