TDA - Communications Officer (57836)

Job Description

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Salary Information :

B20, $4,500-5,000.00 / MO.

State Classification :

1832 - Information Specialist III

FLSA Status : Exempt

Posting Number : 25-57836-1R

Location : Austin, TX

HOW TO APPLY Apply online via

CAPPS . Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

WHO ARE WE The Office of Communications is responsible for providing media information, public information and internal support services for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Division staff members keep the public informed of TDA activities and agriculture issues via traditional and social media channels.

WHAT YOU'LL DO The Communications Officer will perform highly complex communications and informational tasks for the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Communications Division and act as a media liaison for the agency, supporting the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and the Communications team. You will collaborate directly with the Director of Communications to develop and disseminate information about the agency and its programs to internal staff, the public, and the media in a timely and professional manner. You will provide support for managing the agency's social media platforms as needed. You will work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Draft, edit, and independently prepare public information and high-level correspondence about agency functions and the commissioner's activities, ensuring proper coordination with the Director of Communications. This includes newsletters, media advisories, press releases, speeches, talking points, op-ed pieces, website content, and statements.

Establish and maintain recordkeeping and work papers of research sources, editorial recommendations, and errors.

Coordinate the development of public information and educational materials for the agency's internal and external use, working with senior staff, program directors, and administrators.

Research, propose, and implement new media release strategies for internal and external publications.

Oversee news coverage and public sentiment to inform communication strategies.

Manage a database of media organizations and contacts within them. Develop and maintain working relationships with journalists in multiple types of media outlets.

Produce broadcast, television, or audio productions for TDA, including acquiring and recording audio content, writing scripts, creating call sheets, communicating with crew and talent, and distributing to the public or media partners.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION Bachelor's degree with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, agriculture communications, or related field (One year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Four

years' work experience in public relations and / or media.

Professional work experience in writing and editing, including developing a broad range of written materials, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and other communications materials.

Experience gathering and monitoring public relations and media data to determine public sentiment and release effectiveness.

Experience with media relations, including pitching stories to media and managing press inquiries.

Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.

Work experience drafting surveys and analyzing and interpreting data for agency reporting and program effectiveness.

Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in government or political public relations and / or media.

Experience with using social media channels professionally to support communications goals.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.).

Experience with social media management tools (i.e., Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, and similar).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and communication media; various social media platforms; editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.

Skill in editorial and design practices; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to research and prepare information, to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency; to compose usable content for websites and social media; to prepare copy and scripts; to design broad communications plans and materials; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to

30% ).

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS Per TDA Policy, telework is not authorized for this position. This position is 100% in person / in office.

BENEFITS The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include :

Retirement Plan

Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Longevity Pay

Dental

Vision

Dependent Optional Life Insurance

Voluntary AD&D Insurance

Dependent Health & Life Insurance

Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.

If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) : The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship :

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference : TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to , , or for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications / requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at MOS Information and Communication Codes.

Salary : $4,500 - $5,000