Public Information Officer/Corporate Secretary

The Houston Forensic Science Center is seeking a Public Information Officer, who will also function as Corporate Secretary, appointed by the HFSC Board of Directors.

The Public Information Officer will have responsibility for managing the daily operations of responding to requests under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), as well as facilitating research and compilation of statistical and historical data. He/she will also serve as the Corporate Secretary for the HFSC Board of Directors, with responsibility for facilitating board communications, meetings, drafting materials, and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA). In addition, the incumbent will provide administrative support to the HFSC Legal Department and the HFSC Employee Event Committee, facilitating the successful planning and execution of company- wide events and meetings, such as the all-staff meeting, staff trainings, stakeholder meetings, and section/department meetings. The incumbent will provide similar support to the HFSC outreach committee, as requested. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Effectively manage duties to ensure compliance with the TPIA, including, but not limited to, corresponding with external requestors, preparing documents for release, drafting correspondence to the Texas Attorney General’s Office and other duties as required.
  • Maintain ongoing proficiency in TPIA, including attending trainings related to the TPIA, and communicating TPIA requirements to staff, as appropriate.
  • Work with HFSC’s General Counsel to ensure all documents, meetings and other Board-related tasks are prepared in a timely manner under the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) guidelines.
  • Fulfill legal obligations to compose all official Board meeting minutes, packets, and agendas as well as maintain records and other documentation as required by TOMA, including posting board-related content to the HFSC website and social media accounts.
  • Coordinate, maintain and continually enhance Board relations by supporting the appropriate execution of monthly board meetings pursuant to TOMA.
  • Serve as primary contact for all requests and communications for the Board of Directors, Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and other committees related to the Corporation’s governance.
  • Coordinate with the City of Houston’s Boards and Commissions Office to ensure all current and future Board member information and required documentation stays up to date and on file as required by law and ensure all newly appointed Board members complete the onboarding process.
  • Develop and maintain internal databases and other record-keeping systems for effective and efficient Board operations.
  • Process and handle special requests and projects from the Board, TAG, and other bodies of the Corporation in a timely manner, as needed.
  • Respond to email inquiries sent through general Corporate email address, forwarding requests to the appropriate party for response, or crafting responses in partnership with the appropriate party as needed.
  • Provide administrative support for the HFSC Employee Event Committee and HFSC Outreach Committee, serving as a resource for HFSC staff members planning events and activities.
  • Ensure effective communication and teamwork with both external and internal resources to plan and implement corporate-wide events, including all-staff meetings, and other special events. Tasks including, but are not limited to, securing locations, arranging AV needs and recordings, video editing, preparing agendas and event/meeting materials, posting content to the HFSC website and social media accounts.
  • Provides administrative support and assists with work product of the Legal Department.
  • Completes special projects as assigned by the General Counsel or President and CEO

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Legal Studies, Communications, English, Political Science/ Government, or a related field is required.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of three years’ progressive professional experience in a public information or public administration role, or in a similar role within a government office is required.
    • Minimum three years’ experience in successfully facilitating teams and projects is required.
    • Experience working in a criminal justice environment is strongly preferred.
    • Paralegal certification is strongly preferred.
    • Video editing experience is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Working knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.
    • Working knowledge of local and state government, its officials, and procedures.
    • Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, including internal personnel and external stakeholders in both written and verbal formats.
    • Demonstrated writing and editing skills with a variety of print and online communications media.
    • Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office products, including Microsoft TEAMS.
    • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute tasks with minimal supervision.
    • Exceptional organizational skills.
    • Working knowledge of parliamentarian procedures.
    • Ability to work independently and use critical thinking skills.
    • Ability to make independent, sound judgment calls.
    • Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
    • Proficiency with Spanish is a plus.

To be considered, please attach all of the following to your application:

  • Resume or CV
    • A cover letter explaining your motivation to serve in this role
    • A writing sample

For more information and to apply, please use the following link:

Careers – Houston Forensics Science Center (hfsctx.gov)  or https:hfsctx.gov/jobs