CTM-Communications News Writer

JOB SUMMARY

The Cross-Functional Team Member — News Writer will serve as a key contributor within Houston ISD’s Communications Department. This role is responsible for developing written content that highlights district progress, student achievement, innovative programs, and community impact. The News Writer will produce daily news stories and articles as well as collaborate with colleagues across departments, leveraging communications expertise to drive compelling storytelling that supports transparency, strengthens community trust, and celebrates the successes of HISD schools.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1    Research, write, and edit daily news stories, articles, and features highlighting district initiatives, campus achievements, and community partnerships.
2.    Develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization's strategic objectives and work collaboratively with teams to align project goals with the overall vision.
3.    Collaborate with cross-functional team members to identify story opportunities and develop content that aligns with district priorities.
4.    Develop and implement project plans, including timelines, milestones and resource allocation, to ensure successful execution.
5.    Manage and coordinate resources within the team to ensure the timely completion of projects and achievement of desired outcomes.
6.    Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing and cross-functional problem-solving.
7.    Conduct interviews with students, staff, parents, and community members to gather information and human-interest perspectives.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

8.    Ensure all content is accurate, well-sourced, and consistent with district messaging, editorial standards, and brand guidelines.
9.    Adapt stories for multiple platforms, including the district website, newsletters, social media, and print publications.
 10.    Support the Communications Department in crisis communications by drafting timely, clear, and accurate updates as needed.
 11.    Contribute to editorial calendars, planning meetings, and brainstorming sessions to generate story ideas and improve coverage.
 12.
    Collaborate with multimedia staff to incorporate photos, graphics, and video elements into written content.
 13.    Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies relevant to the projects and functional areas within the team.
 14.    Promote a positive team culture that values diversity, collaboration, innovation and accountability.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree Commications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 Years Experience working in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related professional writing field preferred.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt style and tone for various audiences and platforms.
Excellent research and interviewing abilities to develop accurate and engaging content.
Proficiency in AP style and familiarity with journalistic standards and ethics.
Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholder groups.
Continuous learning mindset, with a willingness to expand knowledge and skills in other functional areas.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of two or more employees but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing typically involves providing guidance and expertise. Most of work time is spent performing many of same duties they are leading.    

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have minor, small and possibly incremental impact on the department or facility. Errors are usually discovered in succeeding operations where most of the work is verified or checked and is normally confined to a single department or phase of the organizational activities resulting in brief inconvenience.    

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.