Communications and Digital Media Coordinator - City of Houston

Section: Communications and Engagement  
Reporting Location: 901 Bagby St., 8th Floor 

Workdays & Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  
Subject to change 
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
 

Under the guidance of the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Associate Staff Analyst will serve as the Communications and Digital Media Coordinator and the office’s lead visual storyteller. We are looking for a skilled, energetic cinematographer with a keen eye for social media and story development: someone who can take dense, high-stakes subject matter (municipal budgets, audits, bond ratings, pension obligations, and the City’s overall financial health) and turn it into clear, compelling, and accurate content that Houstonians will watch, share, and understand. The Associate Staff Analyst will shoot, edit, and produce video and photography for social media, press conferences, public remarks, and digital campaigns; develop story concepts from first idea to final cut; and help shape how the Controller’s work is seen across every platform. The Office of the City Controller operates in a fast-moving political environment, so this individual must be able to turn content around quickly when news breaks, exercise sound judgment with sensitive and confidential information, and ensure every piece reflects the independence and credibility of the office. The ideal candidate brings a strong eye for composition and lighting, a feel for pacing and narrative, fluency in platform trends and analytics, and the composure to deliver polished work on tight deadlines. This position will also staff the Controller at events and coordinate coverage of public engagements, including occasional nights and weekends. 

The Associate Staff Analyst duties will include but are not limited to: 

• Develops, shoots, and edits original video, photography, and digital media content for the department, from concept and storyboarding through final delivery. 

• Translates complex financial, budgetary, and policy information into concise, accurate visual stories for social media, the web, and public presentations. 

• Researches and makes recommendations for addressing issues of basic complexity and/or sensitivity, including the timing, framing, and platform for public-facing content. 

• Compiles data, produces information and interprets results through conclusion or recommendation formulation, including content performance and audience engagement analytics. 

• Develops reports, special documents, publications, and multimedia presentations as assigned. 

• Completes special projects as assigned, working on a wide variety of financial, administrative, professional, political and community issues and problems of basic complexity. 

• Represents supervisor at meetings, events, and functions to gather information and capture content. 

• Handles highly confidential information. 

• Responds to correspondence, requests for information, and media requests for footage or images as assigned by supervisor. 

• Participates in the development of content workflows, production schedules, and digital asset management systems to improve speed and quality. 

• Assists in evaluating and recommending production equipment, software, and other technological solutions. 

• Participates in special projects as assigned by the Department Director or Deputy Director and acts as a liaison with external organizations, production partners, and other Department offices. 

How to Apply

Interested students should send portfolio, resume and samples to Erin Gaddis at Erin.Gaddis@houstontx.gov.

WORKING CONDITIONS 
 

The position is generally physically comfortable; however, field production requires the ability to transport, set up, and operate camera, lighting, and audio equipment, stand for extended periods, and work outdoors at events and press conferences. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. 
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Film, Cinematography, Digital Media, Broadcast Media, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field to the type of work being performed. 
  
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
No experience required. 
 
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 
None. 

PREFERENCES 

Preference will be given to candidates that have demonstrated strong skills and experience associated with the below essential functions: 

Cinematography & Production 

• Demonstrated portfolio or reel of video and photography work showing strong composition, lighting, camera movement, and audio capture (portfolio link requested with application). 

• Plan, shoot, and edit short-form and long-form video, including explainers, interviews, event highlights, behind-the-scenes pieces, and press conference coverage. 

• Proficiency with professional cameras, lenses, gimbals, lighting kits, and wireless audio; comfortable running a one-person shoot. 

• Advanced editing, color correction, sound mixing, and motion graphics skills using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools. 

• Deliver same-day, quick-turn edits for press conferences, live events, and breaking developments. 

• Capture and edit mobile-first content using smartphones and on-the-go production tools. 

• Organize, archive, and maintain the office’s photo and video library for fast retrieval. 

Social Media & Story Development 

• Develop story concepts, scripts, shot lists, and storyboards that turn audits, budget reports, financial forecasts, and policy positions into engaging, easy-to-follow content. 

• Strong command of platform-specific formats, trends, and best practices across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

• Draft and schedule content for the social media calendar, including captions, hooks, graphics, and accessible on-screen text and closed captions. 

• Monitor the news cycle and online conversation to identify timely storytelling opportunities and respond quickly. 

• Track performance metrics and use analytics to refine creative direction and strategy. 

Communications & Rapid Response 

• Assist the Communications unit with communications-related needs, including but not limited to talking points, press releases, media advisories, internal newsletter content, and constituent correspondence responses. 

• Produce visual assets supporting public statements during high-profile or sensitive situations, working closely with leadership to ensure accuracy and appropriate tone. 

• Compile and circulate press clippings daily. 

• Proofread a wide range of communications, as needed. 

Professionalism and Other 

• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. 

• Exercise sound political judgment and discretion, with an understanding of the independent role of the Office of the City Controller. 

• Staff the Controller at certain events and meetings, which may include transportation to in-person engagements and occasional nights and weekends. 

• Coordinate logistics and coverage plans for Controller events, press conferences, and community engagements. 

• Proven experience using good judgment and making independent decisions based on limited information and time. 

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple productions and deadlines at once. 

• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds. 

• Exceptional verbal, written communication, and presentation skills. 

• Exceptional attention to detail. 

• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat; Canva or similar design tools a plus. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Cinematography & Visual Storytelling: 
  Serve as the office’s primary videographer and photographer, producing cinematic, broadcast-quality content that captures the Controller’s work and the people and neighborhoods it affects across Houston. 

• Story Development: 
  Find the story inside complex financial and policy topics, developing narratives, scripts, and visual approaches that are accurate, compelling, and accessible to a general audience. 

• Social Media Strategy & Management: 
  Collaborate with the communications team to plan and execute social media campaigns, developing platform-native video, photo, and written content for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

 Rapid-Response Content: 
Produce timely, accurate content in a fast-moving political environment, including same-day turnaround for press conferences, public statements, and breaking developments. 

• Media Relations & Outreach: 
  Support media relations by providing footage, photos, and press materials; respond to media requests for visual assets; and help maintain media contact lists. 

• Event Coverage & Coordination: 
  Attend and cover public events, meetings, City Council sessions, and news conferences, capturing and delivering multimedia content for reporting and promotional purposes. 

 Analytics & Reporting: 
Track and report on social media and video performance, using data to refine content, formats, and strategy. 

• Brand Representation: 
  Ensure all content adheres to the office’s brand guidelines, tone of voice, and accessibility standards, maintaining a credible and professional public image. 

Preference shall also 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:   None. 
However, the department may administer a skills assessment test. 
 
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 your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6737. 
  
If you need special services or accommodations 832-393-6737 (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. 
  
EEO Equal Opportunity Employment   
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