Community Relations Specialist - External Affairs

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Job Classification: Community Relations Specialist

Division: External Affairs

Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street

Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY/ Hours Varies *Subject to Change* *Grant Funded Part-Time*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The City of Houston is launching a pilot part-time position for an LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Community Relations Specialist to help advance economic mobility and service navigation for LGBTQ+ Houstonians—particularly youth and seniors. This role will focus on connecting community members to employment opportunities, small business support, and vital City services while helping design inclusive programming and reduce systemic barriers. The Community Relations Specialist will serve as a community advocate, program navigator, and strategic liaison to both internal City departments and external partners in order to foster a more inclusive economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

Navigation and Outreach

Provide culturally competent support to help LGBTQ+ residents access workforce development programs, small business resources, and social services.

Community Engagement

Host and attend community events. Collaborate with nonprofit and civic organizations to promote inclusive service delivery.

Service Gaps and Policy Feedback

Identify gaps in evaluating certified firms and provide policy recommendations to improve access and responsiveness.

Cross-Sector Coordination

Collaborate with the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and regional partners (e.g., Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission) to align outreach and reduce duplication.

Partnership Development

Build partnerships with LGBTQ+-serving nonprofits, workforce organizations, and local business chambers.

Pilot Framework Development

Contribute to a long-term plan for sustainable LGBTQ+ economic empowerment infrastructure in the City, including recommendations for future staffing and/or a City LGBTQ+ Commission.
**This is a grant funded position subject to cancellation when funds are depleted and/or contract period ends.**

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions like percentages, ratios, etc. as might normally be acquired through attainment of a high school diploma or a GED.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Six months of experience are required.
MINIMUM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall 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.**

• Experience in community engagement, public service, or nonprofit partnerships

• Strong knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, particularly related to economic and workforce disparities

• Demonstrated cultural competency and inclusive outreach skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Familiarity with Houston’s LGBTQ+ landscape and related service networks

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TEST REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - No

Pay Grade: 11

SALARY INFORMATION
This position is part of a pilot program and is contingent on available funds. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. 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

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393 - 6051 or (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.

EOE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/13/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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