Media and Communications Officer

Job Title

Media and Communications Officer

Agency

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department

Media and Communications Section

Proposed Minimum Salary

$6,666.67 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed. Position often requires working extended hours, weekends and/or holidays.

The position is responsible for skillfully developing a cohesive media and communications strategy, including oversight of the agency’s content development for public information distribution and for promoting agency initiatives. This position also serves as the agency’s press officer, and duties include responding to media inquiries, drafting/distributing press releases, scheduling or conducting interviews with members of the media, and providing preemptive planning and crisis communications management as needed. This position serves as a liaison to state emergency management council public information officers and officials, and duties include collaborating with state agency communications teams to support public information coordination, and operation of the state’s joint information center. Supports management of the media and communications budget and maintains quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency. Establishes priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; and coordinating and evaluating program activities. Demonstrates creativity, technical expertise, superior communication skills and a high level of initiative and sound judgement. Must be available to work extended hours as necessary and work within tight deadlines.

SALARY RANGE:  
$6,666.67 - $7,875.00 Monthly ($80,000.04 - $94,500.00 Annually)

*Final pay rate is commensurate with experience and will be determined by the Division Chief, Media and Communications. 

*This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for developing a cohesive communications strategy in collaboration with the Section Chief, Media and Communications, the Media and Communications Division Staff, and Executive Management as appropriate.

• Collaborates with TDEM Media and Communications staff to address internal and external communications objectives and strategies, to include disaster-specific public information campaigns, materials, and agency initiatives.

• Displays a high degree of professionalism and thorough understanding of the organization, mission, vision, and goals; builds relationships and has a solid understanding of communication strategies that will support the growth of the agency.

• Responds to media inquiries, provides on camera interviews with media outlets, coordinates press conferences, and drafts and distributes press releases, including speeches for executive staff.

• Responsible for helping manage a joint information center during declared disasters in partnership with state emergency management council agency communication directors.

• Maximizes existing and new communication assets and channels (i.e. website, marketing collateral, social media, etc.). Maintains and updates these channels ensuring a high-quality presence.

• Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan.

• Provides preemptive planning and crisis communications management.

• Maintains quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency.

• Ability to travel 50%.

• Ability to drive.

• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

• Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education – Bachelor’s degree in communications or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience – Five (5) years of related experience.

*Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirements on a year-for-year basis, with one (1) year experience equivalent to thirty (30) semester hours. A completed advanced degree in an applicable field may also be substituted in lieu of work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas; and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

• Extensive knowledge of all areas of the agency.

• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall communications strategy.

• Experience working as a public information officer.

• Displays excellent leadership and management skills.

• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Exhibits superior critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to perform compelling presentation.

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively engage in all forms of media and communications activities, including social media content creation to promote the agency and emergency management public information campaigns.

• Ability to direct and organize program activities; to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

• Ability to handle confidential material with discretion, organize effectively, and work independently and adjust to daily changing demands.

• Knowledge of multimedia communications management and content production.

• Strong writing, editing and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong and effective communication skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office applications to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to multi-task.

• Ability to anticipate and identify issues and problem solve.

• Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc.

• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict timelines.

• Ability to train others.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders, the press, and the public.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work in an open, respectful, collaborative environment.  Ability to cultivate a network of multiple stakeholders.

• Possesses strong organizational abilities and is highly detail oriented.

• Ability to translate strategic thinking into action.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.

• Adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.

• Availability for after-hour, holiday and weekend work is required to include twelve (12) hour shifts during activations of the State Operations Center during emergencies and disasters. May be required to travel in- or out-of-state by vehicle or other mode of transportation, sometimes overnight or for extended periods.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 and Professional Development Series or Emergency Management Professionals Program Basic Academy FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.

Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one at hire.

*Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions.

*Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.