External Affairs Communications Specialist

Position: External Affairs Communications Specialist
Classification : Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Director, Advocacy and External Affairs
Company: Texans Together
Location: Houston, TX

Position Description:
The External Affairs Communications Specialist supports the Advocacy & External Affairs Department by developing clear, accurate, and compelling written materials that advance Texans Together’s advocacy and public engagement efforts. This role focuses on writing, editing, and content development that translates complex policy and child welfare topics into accessible, audience-appropriate messaging.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Draft, edit, and proofread advocacy and external affairs materials, including advocacy updates, policy summaries, issue briefs, talking points, reports, newsletters, website content, and internal communications.
• Ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with Texans Together’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Support the development and refinement of key messages, narratives, and background materials for external audiences.
• Manage content timelines and coordinate reviews to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Translate complex policy, programmatic, and child welfare information into accessible, audience-appropriate content.
• Assist with preparation of materials for meetings with stakeholders, policymakers, and partners.
• Support development of public-facing messaging that reflects Texans Together’s mission and values.
• Help translate policy and systems information into accessible language.
• Collaborate closely with legal and compliance teams, program operations, marketing, and community building to identify emerging issues and coordinate responses.
• Monitor relevant news, reports, and public information to inform advocacy messaging.
• Assist with drafting press materials, statements, and background documents as needed.
• Support message coordination across advocacy, community engagement, and marketing department.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager of Community to incorporate community perspectives into communications.
• Collaborate with the Advocacy & Events Administrative Coordinator to support event materials and messaging.
• Coordinate workflows, deadlines, and project tracking within the Advocacy & External Affairs department.
• Maintain organized files and version control for communications materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years’ experience in professional writing, editing, or communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in advocacy, crisis communications external affairs, nonprofit, or government relations.
• Experience supporting leadership or members of executive teams.
• Familiarity with child welfare, social and health and human services, or public policy topics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise and audience appropriate messaging.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Office
• Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Travel: Occasional (Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance)

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.