Job Details

Job Description

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Salary Information: B20; $4,800.00 - $5,000.00/MO.

State Classification: 1832 - Information Specialist III

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 26-57836-1R (2 vacancies)

Location: Austin, TX

Telework Option:TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

WHO ARE WE

The Office of Communications is responsible for providing media information, public information and internal support services for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Division staff members keep the public informed of TDA activities and agriculture issues via traditional and social media channels.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Communications Officer will perform highly complex informational and communications work for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Communication's division. You will serve as an agency media contact and assist the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Director for Communications, as well as other Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) staff, to contribute to the release of information regarding the agency and its programs to the public and members of the news media in a timely and professional manner. You will manage the agency's social media platforms. Serve as a backup to other division staff as needed. You will work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare, write, edit, coordinate, and disseminate public information concerning agency functions and the commissioner's activities, including newsletters, media advisories, press releases, speeches, talking points, op-ed pieces, content for websites, and statements.

Serve as co-producer for agency broadcast, television, or audio productions, including acquiring and recording audio content, editing features, and distributing to the public or media partners.

Research various sources to ensure the accuracy of information released by the agency.

Manage and develop regular content for agency social media channels and analyze social media reports to evaluate effectiveness, including assistance with the agency's social media strategy.

Facilitate working relationships with senior staff, program directors, and administrators to coordinate the development of public information and educational materials for both internal and external use by the agency.

Provide administrative support work and assist with special projects for the Communications Department as assigned by the Director of Communications or the Assistant Director of Communications.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION(The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)





Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, agriculture communications or related field (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Four (4) years' work experience in public relations and/or media.

Professional work experience in writing and editing, including developing a broad range of written materials.

Experience with using social media channels in a professional capacity to support communications goals

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc).

Experience with social media management tools (i.e. Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, similar).

Experience with online graphic design websites such as Canva or Flipsnack.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; of news and communication media; of various social media platforms; of editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and of publishing and broadcast industries.

Skill in editorial and design practices; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; 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; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Comfortability with establishing relationships with news media representatives, potential story subjects, and others through cold calling, written communications, and other means.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 15%).

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts



Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-###-####. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) ###-#### for assistance.

Go to or for assistance in translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at MOS Information and Communication Codes.