The Director of Communications & Public Relations is responsible for developing and leading the Port of Galveston's overall communications, public relations, media relations, and community engagement strategy. This position serves as a primary spokesperson and communications advisor to executive leadership and is responsible for ensuring consistent, professional, and effective messaging across all internal and external communications. The Director will oversee the Port's public image and brand, media relationships, digital communications, social media, website content, public announcements, community outreach, and communications during significant events or issues. This position will also lead and coordinate communications staff, contractors, and outside public relations resources.

Description of Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy aligned with the Port's goals and priorities. Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate responses with executive leadership and appropriate departments. Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and industry media. Serve as an official spokesperson for the Port as assigned. Prepare and review press releases, public statements, speeches, presentations, newsletters, talking points, and other communications materials. Advise executive leadership and department heads on public messaging, media relations, and communications strategy. Oversee the Port's website, social media, digital communications, and other public-facing communication channels. Ensure consistent branding, messaging, tone, and accuracy across all Port communications. Oversee the development and execution of communications campaigns promoting Port projects, initiatives, events, and accomplishments. Develop and manage communications plans for major projects, public announcements, events, and organizational initiatives. Lead communications and media strategies during sensitive issues, emergencies, or crisis situations. Monitor public perception, media coverage, and community sentiment and provide recommendations to leadership. Coordinate community outreach efforts and represent the Port at public meetings, community events, and industry functions. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, governmental entities, business leaders, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Oversee content development, editorial calendars, and communications schedules. Manage and provide directions to communications and public relations staff, contractors, and consultants. Establish priorities, assign work, and ensure communications projects are completed accurately and on schedule. Manage the communications and public relations budget and related contracts. Evaluate the effectiveness of communications and public relations efforts through analytics, media monitoring, and other performance measures. Ensure communications comply with Port policies and applicable public information and records requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications or public relations strategies.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience working with media and serving as a spokesperson preferred.
• Experience in government, public agencies, transportation, maritime, infrastructure, or a similarly complex organization is preferred. Required Skills and Abilities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Excellent judgment and ability to communicate effectively in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Strong understanding of media relations and public relations practices.
• Ability to develop clear, concise, and effective messaging for a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of social media, website content management, digital communications, and analytics.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, employees, media, government officials, community members, and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Supervision:

This position provides direction and supervision to communications and public relations personnel and may oversee outside public relations, marketing, digital, and communications contractors.

Reports to:

Port Director/CEO Work Environment:

This position operates in an office environment and may require regular work outdoors and attendance at Port events, community meetings, public functions, and other activities. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on Port events, emergencies, or communications needs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this job. This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and stand for up to 8 hours. Position Type/ Expected hours of work: This is a full-time position. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, with occasional evening, weekend, or after-hours work as required.

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have experience in administering financial aspects of debt and federal/state grants? What are the qualities of senior accountants? and which qualities make you a unique senior accountant? Please Tell Us the Difference Between a Budget and a Forecast?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Budgeting:

2 years (Required)

Accounting:

5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person