Digital Strategist

This position works independently with minimal supervision from the DSHS Digital Communication Manager and performs highly advanced agency communication, digital, and social media work. The position is responsible for implementation and coordination of DSHS social media to compliment agency and stakeholder communications regarding public awareness of health issues, health promotion, health education, and DSHS services. The position supports DSHS Communications and DSHS program staff on the coordination of social marketing activities that incorporate web-based media and mobile device technologies.
The position ensures DSHS social and digital media furthers agency and program public health goals. It oversees and manages all aspects of DSHS social and digital media, including but not limited to emergency and disaster communications; content development; brand management; growth, quality, and risk management; and online community management. This position also leads digital and social media coordination and consulting with agency public awareness campaigns, agency leadership, programs, other agencies, and stakeholders.
Position is responsible for the management of the DSHS social media community. This includes constant observance of DSHS social media to manage risk and decisions on how to respond to any private or public social media messages sent to DSHS from the public, local and state officials, stakeholders, or the media. Position is also responsible for the long- and short-term continued growth and improved quality of DSHS social media and digital work. It is also responsible for driving thought leadership as DSHS becomes a digital-forward agency.
Work includes research, writing, editing, and proofreading all social media posts; creative and strategic thinking; graphic design review and creative direction; and the review, use, and reporting of analytics to senior leadership and stakeholders. Work also includes creation and implementation of social media content and strategies, digital and social media policies, reports, and more. The position is responsible for ensuring branding and digital/social media communication strategies align with the agency’s mission, comply with agency policy, and reflect the agency’s services. The position performs senior-level informational and communications work. This position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May supervise the work of others.

Essential Job Functions:
(45%) • Prepares, implements, and manages a strategic social media communications plan under the direction of the Digital Communication Manager.

Oversees management and content development for @TexasDSHS social media pages, presences, and community across Facebook, X formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Vimeo, and Nextdoor. Builds and curates any potential new social media pages, including those for the eight DSHS Public Health Regions (PHR).

Functions as team lead for social media team, managing workflow and project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

Monitors online conversations, trends, and emerging topics regarding public health issues on behalf of the agency and in accordance with DSHS policy.

Develops content in collaboration with fellow Communications team members, DSHS programs, and contractors. Crafts messages that compliment agency public and stakeholder communications regarding public awareness of health issues, health promotion, health education, and DSHS services.

Oversees measurement of evaluation of DSHS digital and social media communications, content, and strategies.

Oversee development of content including digital and social media graphics, videos, GIFs, memes, news and informational releases, talking points and scripts, advisories, newsletters, and fact sheets.

(30%) • Oversees emergency communications disseminated via digital and social media during DSHS disaster and emergency responses.

Oversees developing and implementing digital and social media policies and procedures.

Partners with agency departments to provide technical assistance regarding appropriate use of online material, messaging and consistency of posts across the agency to ensure relevance with DSHS mission and DSHS and HHSC Enterprise social media policy and procedures.

Develops, oversees, and evaluates long-term goals and strategies for social media, internal/external agency communication initiatives.

Develops and oversees implementation strategy for social media channel expansion to the eight public health regional (PHR) offices.

Creates and analyzes reports on DSHS digital and social media and its effectiveness.

Oversees management, evaluation, and selection of social media platforms, software, and management and analytical tools.

(15%) • Serves as technical advisor to programs investing in social marketing strategies that incorporate web-based media and mobile device technologies to advance the agency mission of improving health and well-being in Texas.

Duties involve working collaboratively with team members, executives, program directors, contractors, external stakeholders, and the online community. The position is responsible for ensuring branding and digital/social media communication strategies align with the agency’s mission, comply with agency policy, are reflective of the agency’s services. This may include uploading and editing materials across all DSHS social media platforms.

Monitors and evaluates the applicability of emerging trends and technology for communications purposes.

(5%) • Assist or oversee tasks and responsibilities related to the agency’s use of GovDelivery

May supervise the work of others, including but limited to the seasonal communications intern.

(5%) • Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations activation. Limited travel may be required.

Initial Selection Criteria:
A minimum of three years’ experience in social media management, strategy, and general communications.

Experience in strategizing, creating, implementing, and monitoring social media for a highly visible government agency, educational institution, health organization, or brand.

Experience planning, developing, researching, and implementing social media strategies aimed at external audiences.

Skill in translating complex, public health messages and emergency communication in plain language for a general audience.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in graphic design, liberal arts, communications, English, business, or relevant field. Significant full-time work experience as a communications professional (5+ years) may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Additional Information:
Requisition # 596983
** PLEASE READ ALL OF THE COMMENTS BELOW BEFORE APPLYING **

There will an in-basket exercise at the conclusion of the interview.

Resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of the State of Texas job application.

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position in the special training/skills/qualifications and/or job history sections of the State of Texas job application. ALL fields on the application must be filled in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

If selected, candidate must be able and willing to provide current and previous work references before a final offer of employment is extended.

This is a hybrid position, but position will be required to report in person to 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756 at least three days per week. This position is NOT 100% remote.

Agency salary policy, program area budget, and a candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

MOS Code:
There are no MOS codes that match this position.