TDWB - 27-12 Media & Public Relations Specialist (Information Specialist IV)

Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Texas Water Development Board is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented communicator to share stories about water, Texas’s most important resource. This senior-level information and communications role coordinates and carries out research, writing, editing, and distribution of materials for news media, the agency, the public, and other agencies. The specialist serves as a primary agency liaison with media and may train others. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and reports to the Chief Communications Officer of the Agency Communications Division. The role requires meeting agency in-office requirements and includes travel, primarily within Texas. The specialist may need to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes and may occasionally work shifts exceeding eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends. Applicants must submit one press release sample they wrote and two additional writing samples demonstrating the scope of their writing abilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, or a related field; relevant education and experience may be substituted year for year.
Seven years of relevant work experience in media relations; relevant education and experience may be substituted year for year.
Experience writing press releases, articles, and other materials.
Submit one applicant-written press release sample and two additional writing samples when applying.
Meet agency in-office requirements.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Agency Communications Division; public administration principles and practices; news and communication media; social media platforms and trends; and grammar, style, and usage guidelines.
Skills using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access; internet, email, word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software; Adobe Creative Suite; and oral and written communication, including pitching news media.
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas; manage multiple projects, deadlines, and tasks; adhere to work schedules and procedures; make objective decisions; adapt to changes; complete assignments accurately and on time with little or no supervision; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; cooperate in a team environment; and train others and work with senior management.
Ability to stand, sit, and move to perform duties such as retrieving or replacing files, including handling boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time, primarily within Texas.
Ability to operate a state or personal vehicle for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that comply with state and agency requirements.
Ability to work shifts that may occasionally exceed eight hours a day, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

More than seven years of experience in media relations.
Experience pitching story ideas to the media.
Experience coordinating and conducting media training.
Certification from an accredited professional organization, such as the Public Relations Society of America.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary agency liaison with media and coordinate media interviews.
Research and identify story ideas, angles, and relevant media for proactive pitching.
Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and email blasts.
Develop talking points and media interview materials.
Advise senior management and staff on news issues.
Coordinate and conduct staff media training.
Develop and execute media plans for meetings, conferences, and agency initiatives.
Coordinate and execute press conferences.
Build and maintain relationships with media.
Manage agency media lists.
Compile daily news clips and distribute them to TWDB staff.
Write and edit agency materials as needed, including articles for the Texas Water Newsroom.
Develop, coordinate, and distribute internal and external newsletters and manage stakeholder distribution.
Develop, post, and manage some website content.
Maintain individual and team electronic and hard-copy files, and dispose of them on time in accordance with agency records-retention procedures and schedules.
Maintain required certifications and licenses and meet continuing-education requirements, including attending mandatory training courses.
Operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.