DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFIARS

About the Department

The Director of External Affairs will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the Office of External Affairs including leading Tarrant County’s comprehensive communications, media relations, and intergovernmental relations strategy. This position oversees external and internal communications, legislative engagement, and community outreach to ensure consistent, accurate, and strategic messaging on behalf of the County. The Director advises County leadership; represents the County before local, state, and federal officials; and directs communication during critical incidents.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises one or more employees in the External Affairs department. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these employee(s). Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the county’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employee(s); planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Position Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Develops, implements, and manages legislative strategies in coordination with the County Administrator and Commissioners Court.
• Represents Tarrant County before the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, and state and federal agencies.
• Monitors and analyzes legislation, budgets, appropriations, and policy developments affecting the County.
• Prepares briefing materials, fact sheets, reports, and position papers for County leadership.
• Cultivates partnerships with elected officials, legislative staff, public agencies, and community organizations.
• Develops and directs internal and external communication strategies for employees, the public, media, and community stakeholders.
• Serves as spokesperson for Tarrant County, including during critical incidents.
• Oversees messaging across digital, print, social media, video, and web platforms to ensure clarity, transparency, and consistency.
• Leads the response to breaking news and high-risk events, coordinating with the Public Information Officer and other County departments.
• Strengthens relationships with journalists, community partners, and external organizations
• Advises County leadership on messaging, legislative priorities, and policy impacts.
• Builds organization-wide awareness of best practices for media and public engagement.
• Coordinates with internal departments to ensure unified messaging and aligned policy advocacy.
• Represents the County to external organizations including schools, civic groups, professional associations, and advocacy bodies.
• Engages citizens and business leaders to address concerns and communicate County initiatives.
• Manages partnerships with statewide and national associations relevant to counties and government operations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.? 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.? 
• Must be able to stay organized and know how to prioritize the workload.? 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.? 
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite.? 
• Advanced analytical, organizational and project-management skills. 

• Must be able to speak on behalf of Tarrant County during media interviews. 
• Must have a strong understanding of media and web-based development skills.
• Must be able to direct multiple team members in high-stress critical incidents in order to quickly and accurately disseminate information to County personnel and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Political Science, Journalism, Business, or other related field, or equivalent. 
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, legislative affairs, or governmental relations.
• Three (3) or more years of management experience.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire.  

Preferred Requirements:

Other Qualifications

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent may be required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.? 

Benefits

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term  disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.

*Note: These benefits are for Tarrant County employees only. For benefit information regarding Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, please contact Patrice Smith at (817) 884-1227.

 

Agency Information

EmployerTarrant CountyAddress 100 E. Weatherford Suite 301

Fort Worth, Texas, 76196-0105 Phone(817) 884-1188
Website http://www.tarrantcountytx.gov