GLO - Program Specialist VII (Writer/Research Associate)

Job Description

The Texas General Land Office is seeking a Program Specialist VII within the Office of Communications of the agency.

The Program Specialist VII Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance for the Office of Communications of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Work involves providing delivery of communication services and documentation for the department, agency and Commissioner. Coordinates, collects, organizes and prepares relevant information for briefing binders, playbooks, talking points, and keynoted speeches for the Commissioner. Leads the review of the GLO messaging ensuring alignment with the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the GLO. Provides technical and external relations support to GLO programs during peak periods. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned.

The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources. This position is with our Support Services division within Office of Communications.

Our Mission :

The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources.

What Your Contributions to the GLO Will be :

• Coordinates with the Executive Scheduling team to confirm Commissioner's event schedule and itinerary. Drafts, prepares and organizes materials including but not limited to notes, talking points and remarks. Analyzes and researches the Commissioner's event schedule to determine the information needed for each event such as briefing binders, playbooks, talking points, notes, press statements, keynoted speeches, etc. Coordinates, collects, organizes and prepares relevant information for briefing books ensuring all supporting documents and source information is included (meeting agendas, press conference information, keynote address, notable attendees etc.) for use by the GLO Commissioner. Coordinates and provides after action documentation requests for information from outside sources in response to Commissioner events. Organizes, prepares and provides the Commissioner with a Playbook of special guests, meeting attendees, elected officials and speakers etc. to include photographs and biographical information for high-profile and other events as required. Verifies all information and consults with the Commissioner in advance of the events to ensure standards have been met and no other information is required. Reviews all released information to verify content is appropriate and in alignment with GLO policies. Utilizes email, press releases, social media, GLO website content, or press conferences to release information as indicated.
• Leads the review and management of the Texas General Land Office communications messaging ensuring the information presented aligns with the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the GLO. Reviews the use of project messaging prior to production or presentation. Develops and monitors methods to evaluate the success of GLO messaging. Consults with Commissioner and Executive team to gain approval on required documentation (talking points, keynote speeches, remarks, and briefing book content) relevant to the event purpose, intent, and setting. Reviews Commissioner's comments, speeches, and communications for potential risks and makes recommendations to leadership for changes.
• Provides programmatic delivery of communication services to the agency and Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Provides high level technical assistance in the utilization of communication services ensuring format, content and delivery of the information complies with agency rules, guidelines, and industry best practices. Provides the GLO Commissioner with effective and complete communication tools to provide a positive public face for the agency.
• Ensures all GLO communications comply with all guiding state and federal law, rules, and regulations for the selected communication format (social media, website content, emails, press releases, media events etc.). Consults with the GLO Commissioner to develop and implement performance standards to ensure consistent messaging and maintains the reputation of the GLO. Ensures the communications standards set by the Commissioner remain positive, identifies issues and provides recommendations for new communications strategies to leadership and takes corrective action as directed.
• FORMTEXT Communicates with constituents, community and professional groups as well as other interested parties through telephone calls, written correspondence and in-person meetings to increase interest in GLO programs, improve visibility and effectiveness and secure support for the GLO. Provides technical and external relations support to GLO programs during peak periods. Reviews and revises existing policies, procedures, and processes for the Office of Communications on an annual basis and advises Sr. Deputy director of identified issues and necessary changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the agency mission and job classification.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications :

A college degree in English, communications, or journalism and / or at least two years experience writing, blogging, reporting or compiling research for an organization or company.

A writing sample is required.

A timed writing test will be required, if interviewed.

Physical Requirements :

This position requires the employee to primarily perform non-sedentary work; mobility (moving around the work-site) is routinely required to carry out some duties including extensive moving upon and traveling across uneven surfaces, rough terrain and / or desolate areas. The position also requires normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies. It requires marginal or corrected visual and auditory requirements; constant use of personal computers, copiers, printers, and telephones; and the ability to move about the office to access file cabinets and office machinery. This position requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions and the ability to move and transport records, documents, boxes and all related information, materials and tools, weighing up to 50 pounds. The individual must be able to remain stationary for long periods of time when commuting to and from assigned destination and when traveling on state business including fieldwork and training assignments. This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and / or steer a boat as needed. This position requires the ability to work outside and adapt to adverse weather conditions to include sea, sky and land environments. It also requires the ability to work under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Preferred Qualifications :

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Skype for Business, Access) Exchange Online (email, calendar, tasks) SharePoint Online (web portal for collaboration).

Compensation and Benefits :

Veterans :

How to Apply :