What are the responsibilities and job description for the TAHC - Communications Specialist (Info Specialist II-III) position at TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION?
General Description:
The Communications Specialist performs moderately complex (journey-level) information and communications and reports directly to the Director of Communications. Work involves collecting, coordinating, writing, editing, and producing informational programs and materials for use by the agency, the public, news media, and other entities. This includes but is not limited to writing news releases, maintaining the agency’s social media accounts, developing videos, taking photographs, and producing web content using graphic design. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
- Coordinates, prepares and edits organizational publications, news and informational releases, talking points and scripts, advisories, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for web sites and social media.
- Monitors and maintains the agency’s social media outlets including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Develops strategies, tools and content to improve social media presence and external communications.
- Prepares, reviews and edits presentations to include PowerPoints, videos, etc., as needed.
- Obtains art, photographs, and video materials for presentations, publications and other agency productions.
- Assists in responding to general and/or media inquiries about agency activities.
- Edits multimedia files for production using computer assisted and other special effects audiovisual equipment.
- Coordinates, prepares and distributes the agency monthly newsletter.
- May assist with outreach programs to community and professional groups to educate and raise awareness regarding agency programs.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, public relations, communications, graphic design, multimedia or related field.
Experience may substitute for education on a year per year basis.
- Six (6) months of experience with Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop, or any comparable design and video programs. (Experience may be paid, volunteer, or college/school work.)
- Agricultural background
Please submit 1 sample from each category with your application:
- A writing sample (minimum 500 words per sample)
- A graphic design sample
- This may be attached to your application when you apply.
Knowledge, Skills and 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, and in 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, and to communicate effectively.
IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position plays a key role in the agency’s emergency management activities. As a first responder, this position is subject to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments away from the regular designated headquarters for up to two weeks at a time. This duty may involve working in adverse conditions; may require irregular working hours and overtime; and may include duties other than those specified in the standard position description.
Other Requirements: Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must have reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.
At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
How to Apply: To submit your application for employment, select Apply Online. Create and/or Login to your on-line applicant profile and electronically submit your State of Texas Application for Employment. All applications must contain complete work experience, including job title, dates, employer, supervisor's contact information and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected and be considered incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information, however, may serve as supplemental information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Texas Animal Health Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in employment or in the provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to our Human Resources Department (512) 719-0700. For a telecommunications relay service for the hearing impaired, please dial 711.
