TDA - Communications Officer (57836) (Internal Posting)

at  Texas Department of Agriculture

TDA - Communications Officer (57836) (Internal Posting) (00047307)
Organization: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Primary Location: Texas-Austin
Work Locations: SFA OFFICES AUSTIN - 11 FLOOR 1700 N. Congress Ste 1100 Austin 78701
Job: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
State Job Code: 1832
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 20
Salary (Pay Basis): 4,500.00 - 5,000.00 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: Jan 27, 2025, 3:24:40 PM
Closing Date: Feb 3, 2025, 11:59:00 PM
Description

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor’s degree 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, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and other communications materials.
Experience gathering and monitoring public relations and media data to determine public sentiment and release effectiveness.
Experience with media relations, including pitching stories to media and managing press inquiries.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
Work experience drafting surveys and analyzing and interpreting data for agency reporting and program effectiveness.
Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in government or political public relations and/or media.
Experience with using social media channels professionally to support communications goals.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.).
Experience with social media management tools (i.e., Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, and similar).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and communication media; various social media platforms; editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.
Skill in editorial and design practices; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and 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.

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 30%).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Communications Officer will perform highly complex communications and informational tasks for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Communications Division and act as a media liaison for the agency, supporting the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and the Communications team. You will collaborate directly with the Director of Communications to develop and disseminate information about the agency and its programs to internal staff, the public, and the media in a timely and professional manner. You will provide support for managing the agency’s social media platforms as needed. You will work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Draft, edit, and independently prepare public information and high-level correspondence about agency functions and the commissioner’s activities, ensuring proper coordination with the Director of Communications. This includes newsletters, media advisories, press releases, speeches, talking points, op-ed pieces, website content, and statements.
Establish and maintain recordkeeping and work papers of research sources, editorial recommendations, and errors.
Coordinate the development of public information and educational materials for the agency’s internal and external use, working with senior staff, program directors, and administrators.
Research, propose, and implement new media release strategies for internal and external publications.
Oversee news coverage and public sentiment to inform communication strategies.
Manage a database of media organizations and contacts within them. Develop and maintain working relationships with journalists in multiple types of media outlets.
Produce broadcast, television, or audio productions for TDA, including acquiring and recording audio content, writing scripts, creating call sheets, communicating with crew and talent, and distributing to the public or media partners.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications