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

TWDB•Austin, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented communicator to share stories about water, a vital resource for Texas. The role performs advanced informational and communication work, coordinating research, writing, editing, and distributing materials for news media, the agency, the public, and other agencies. It serves as a primary agency liaison with media and may include training 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. Applicants must submit one press release they wrote and two other writing samples, such as a published article or media pitch. The position must meet agency in-office requirements. Travel is expected 25% of the time, primarily within Texas; occasional work shifts may exceed eight hours and include early mornings, nights, and weekends. The role may require operating a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.

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 substitute for one another year for year.
Seven years of relevant work experience in media relations; relevant education and experience may substitute for one another year for year.
Experience writing press releases, articles, and other materials.
Submit one applicant-written press release and two additional writing samples when applying.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Agency Communications Division; public administration; 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 meet agency in-office requirements; manage multiple projects and deadlines; make objective decisions; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; cooperate in a team; train others; and work with senior management.
Ability to travel 25% of the time, primarily within Texas, and to operate a state or personal vehicle for state business while maintaining a driver's license and driving record compliant with state and agency requirements.
Ability to work shifts that may occasionally exceed eight hours a day, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to stand, sit, and move to perform work activities, including retrieving or replacing files in a large file system and handling boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.

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 other 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 ensure timely disposition in accordance with agency records-retention procedures and schedules.
Maintain required certifications and licenses and meet continuing-education requirements, including attending mandatory training.
Operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.