Media and Communications Officer

Job Title 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

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 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.

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

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. 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. 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. 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…