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About the Role

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is seeking a Media and Communications Officer to develop and execute a cohesive media and communications strategy. This role involves overseeing content development, promoting agency initiatives, serving as the agency's press officer, responding to media inquiries, drafting press releases, and managing crisis communications. The position also focuses on multi-cultural outreach, collaborating with state agencies, and managing the media and communications budget.

Responsibilities

Developing a cohesive communications strategy.
Responding to media inquiries.
Providing on-camera interviews with media outlets.
Coordinating press conferences.
Drafting and distributing press releases, including speeches for executive staff.
Translating content for publication across agency platforms.
Coordinating multi-cultural communications strategy and performing outreach in multiple languages.
Collaborating with TDEM Media and Communications staff to address internal and external communications objectives and strategies.
Helping manage a joint information center during declared disasters.
Maximizing existing and new communication assets and channels.
Maintaining and updating communication channels.
Developing, establishing, and implementing goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan.
Providing preemptive planning and crisis communications management.
Maintaining quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency.
Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five (5) years of related experience.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Must be available to work extended hours as necessary and work within tight deadlines.
Ability to travel 50%.
Ability to drive.
Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.
Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.
Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one at hire.
Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Skills

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Extensive knowledge of all areas of the agency.
Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall communications strategy.
Experience working as a public information officer.
Excellent leadership and management skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Superior critical thinking and analytical skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to perform compelling presentations.
Ability to effectively engage in all forms of media and communications activities, including social media content creation.
Ability to communicate, read, and write in Spanish.
Ability to direct and organize program activities.
Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
Ability to handle confidential material with discretion.
Ability to organize effectively.
Ability to work independently and adjust to daily changing demands.
Knowledge of multimedia communications management and content production.
Strong writing, editing and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong and effective communication skills.
Proficiency in MS Office applications to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to multi-task.
Ability to anticipate and identify issues and problem solve.
Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc.
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict timelines.
Ability to train others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders, the press, and the public.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work in an open, respectful, collaborative environment.
Ability to cultivate a network of multiple stakeholders.
Possesses strong organizational abilities and is highly detail oriented.
Ability to translate strategic thinking into action.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
Adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.
Availability for after-hour, holiday and weekend work is required to include twelve (12) hour shifts during activations of the State Operations Center during emergencies and disasters.
May be required to travel in- or out-of-state by vehicle or other mode of transportation, sometimes overnight or for extended periods.

Location

Austin, Texas

Work Type

On-site
Staff

Experience Level

Five (5) years of related experience

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in communications or equivalent combination of education and experience

Salary/Compensations

$80,000.04 - $94,500.00 Annually

Benefits

Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 and Professional Development Series or Emergency Management Professionals Program Basic Academy FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.

About the Company

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) maintains the all-hazards emergency management program for the State of Texas through specializing in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation activities.
TDEM advises and works closely with cities, counties, and state agencies during planning and implementing their own emergency management programs to ensure Texas communities are more resilient for future emergencies and disasters.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.