Communications Manager

Brazos Valley Council of Governments•Bryan, TX

6d•$75,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Directs and implements the communications, public information, and outreach activities of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG). Promotes awareness of BVCOG programs, services, and regional accomplishments among member governments, community partners, residents, and other stakeholders throughout the seven-county Brazos Valley region. Works with executive leadership and program managers to communicate accurate, accessible information, strengthen public understanding, and support organizational priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, marketing, or public relations.
Experience directing communications projects is required.
Demonstrated skill in writing, editing, proofreading, public speaking, and interpersonal communication, including the ability to present complex information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
Knowledge of communications planning, media relations, branding, community outreach, and public-sector communications practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, website content management systems, social media platforms, email communications tools, and graphic design applications.
Working knowledge of photography, video production, and audiovisual presentation development.
Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and complete assignments with limited direct supervision.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, verify information, safeguard confidential and sensitive information, and recognize matters requiring executive review or approval.
Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, member governments, BVCOG staff, community partners, media representatives, and diverse audiences.
Ability to gather and interpret communications performance data and use findings to improve outreach, engagement, and public understanding of BVCOG programs and services.
Knowledge of accessible communications practices and electronic document organization, version control, and records management.
Ability to use artificial intelligence and other approved technology in accordance with BVCOG policies; safeguard confidential and sensitive information; and independently verify the accuracy, sources, and appropriateness of generated content before publication or distribution.

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Government, nonprofit, or regional organization experience is preferred.
Supervisory experience is preferred when staff supervision is assigned.
Crisis or emergency communications experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) ability are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an organization-wide communications plan aligned with BVCOG priorities, program needs, and available resources.
Advise executive leadership and program managers on communications strategy, public messaging, media engagement, and outreach opportunities.
Establish an editorial calendar, publication standards, and review procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communications.
Publish routine, previously approved messaging (such as meeting notices, program announcements, and social media posts using approved content) without additional review; route media statements, sensitive matters, legislative items, and new or changed policy positions to the Executive and Deputy Director for approval.
Coordinate with the Deputy Director and program leadership to prioritize competing communications requests across programs.
Prepare and distribute approved news releases, media advisories, announcements, and responses to media inquiries.
Develop relationships with local and regional media outlets and coordinate interviews, speaking opportunities, and other public appearances.
Serve as a designated media contact when authorized; coordinate sensitive matters and official statements with executive leadership.
Assist leadership with crisis communications, service disruption notices, and emergency messaging in coordination with responsible program and emergency personnel.
Write, edit, and produce newsletters, annual reports, program summaries, brochures, presentations, speeches, and other informational materials.
Translate technical and program information into clear, concise language appropriate for public officials, partners, residents, and other audiences.
Gather and verify program accomplishments, service data, and participant stories with program staff before publication; obtain required approvals and permissions.
Maintain consistent use of BVCOG branding, logos, templates, and messaging across print and digital materials.
Ensure materials for grant-funded programs include required funding-source acknowledgments and disclaimers.
Coordinate translated or alternate-language versions of key materials, including Spanish, to support language access and Title VI compliance.
Oversee content for BVCOG websites and social media accounts, working with program staff and Information Technology to keep information current, accurate, and useful.
Develop and publish digital content, including email communications, photographs, graphics, and short videos that explain services and highlight regional impact.
Monitor public questions and comments, coordinate responses with appropriate staff, and apply approved moderation and escalation procedures.
Use accessible document and digital content practices, including descriptive links, alternative text, captions, and readable formatting.
Monitor website, social media, and email performance; report results and recommend improvements to outreach and engagement.
Work with program managers to identify audiences, outreach needs, referral opportunities, and communications priorities across BVCOG programs.
Provide communications support for BVCOG programs, services, and initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding of their regional impact.
Coordinate with member governments, elected officials, community organizations, and regional partners to share service information and organizational accomplishments.
Prepare approved briefing materials and regional impact summaries for leadership, board members, and public officials; coordinate informational legislative communications as directed by executive leadership, excluding lobbying or advocacy using public funds.
Coordinate communications, publicity, and assigned planning activities for the BVCOG annual meeting, workshops, public meetings, and other organizational events.
Prepare event invitations, programs, presentation materials, signage, and follow-up communications in collaboration with responsible staff.
Support board and advisory committee communications through accurate summaries and presentation assistance, coordinating with staff responsible for agendas and official records.
Facilitate timely internal communications about organizational initiatives, program achievements, and approved operational updates.
Maintain organized electronic files for approved publications, photographs, videos, templates, media contacts, and communications project records.
Apply established naming conventions, version control, access restrictions, and retention procedures.
Protect confidential client, employee, and organizational information; verify authorization and consent before releasing information or using images and testimonials.
Assist designated staff with Texas Public Information Act requests, public notices under the Texas Open Meetings Act, and meeting-related communications under BVCOG procedures; coordinate questions concerning disclosure and required approvals with leadership and legal counsel as appropriate.
Develop communications budget recommendations and monitor approved expenditures for printing, advertising, digital services, events, and other assigned activities.
Coordinate vendors and service providers in accordance with BVCOG purchasing procedures; review deliverables for quality, accuracy, and timely completion.
Maintain project schedules and provide progress reports that identify completed work, upcoming priorities, performance results, and resource needs.
Provide courteous, professional, and responsive assistance to member governments, residents, community partners, media representatives, BVCOG personnel, and the public.
Collaborate with BVCOG staff to support organizational goals and coordinate communications that accurately represent each program.
Provide practical guidance to staff on writing, presentation preparation, branding, and approved communications tools.
Follow BVCOG policies, maintain dependable attendance, and demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the organization’s mission and values.
Complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training each year as part of this position. Maintain knowledge of communications practices, technology, and public-sector outreach.
Travel within the region and occasionally outside the region; attend evening or weekend events as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned.