Bilingual Media and Communications Officer

Job Title

Bilingual Media and Communications Officer

Agency

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department

Media and Communications Section

Proposed Minimum Salary

$6,666.67 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed. Position often requires working extended hours, weekends and/or holidays.

The position is responsible for skillfully developing a cohesive media and communications strategy, including oversight of the agency's content development for public information distribution and for promoting agency initiatives. This position also serves as the agency's press officer, and duties include responding to media inquiries, drafting/distributing press releases, scheduling or conducting interviews with members of the media, and providing preemptive planning and crisis communications management as needed.

This position conducts multi-cultural communications outreach across the state before, during, and after disasters and provides strategic input on reaching wider populations with disaster messaging.

This position serves as a liaison to state emergency management council public information officers and officials, and duties include collaborating with state agency communications teams to support public information coordination, and operation of the state's joint information center. Supports management of the media and communications budget and maintains quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency. Establishes priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals;

and coordinating and evaluating program activities. Demonstrates creativity, technical expertise, superior communication skills and a high level of initiative and sound judgement. Must be available to work extended hours as necessary and work within tight deadlines.

SALARY RANGE:

$6,666.67 - $7,875.00 Monthly ($80,000.04 - $94,500.00 Annually)

* Final pay rate is commensurate with experience and will be determined by the Division Chief, Media and Communications.

INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT:

Candidates selected for interview will be asked to complete a skill assessment where they will demonstrate their proficiency in translating from English to Spanish in a verbal and written exercise.

* This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

ESSENTIAL

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Responsible for developing a cohesive communications strategy in collaboration with the Section Chief, Media and Communications, the Media and Communications Division Staff, and Executive Management as appropriate.

* Responds to media inquiries, provides on camera interviews with media outlets, coordinates press conferences, and drafts and distributes press releases, including speeches for executive staff.

* Translates content for publication across agency platforms.

* Coordinates multi-cultural communications strategy and performs outreach in multiple languages.

* Collaborates with TDEM Media and Communications staff to address internal and external communications objectives and strategies, to include disaster-specific public information campaigns, materials, and agency initiatives.

* Displays a high degree of professionalism and thorough understanding of the organization, mission, vision, and goals; builds relationships and has a solid understanding of communication strategies that will support the growth of the agency.

* Responsible for helping manage a joint information center during declared disasters in partnership with state emergency management council agency communication directors.

* Maximizes existing and new communication assets and channels (i.e. website, marketing collateral, social media, etc.). Maintains and updates these channels ensuring a high-quality presence.

* Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan.

* Provides preemptive planning and crisis communications management.

* Maintains quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency.

* 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.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Experience - Five (5) years of related experience. Bilingual in Spanish.

* Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirements on a year-for-year basis, with one (1) year experience equivalent to thirty (30)…