Thc - Media Relations Coordinator/Speechwriter (Information Specialist Iii) 24-37

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Works closely with the head of the Communications Division to support public and Media Relations for agency programs and initiatives. Advances the agency's strategic goals including the promotion of historic preservation, history education, and heritage tourism. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Coordinate media and public relations efforts throughout the division and agency for local, state, and national news media.
2. Write and edit talking points, news releases, articles, social media posts, scripts, reports, brochures, and other public information materials.
3. Ensure accuracy in agency information materials through research and fact-checking.
4. Support agency social media, email marketing, and web resources.
5. Develop and execute strategies to enhance relationships with statewide news media and raise awareness of the agency's mission and work.
6. Coordinate and support public events, including staffing and logistics.
7. Advise the Communications Director, agency executives, and staff on Media Relations strategy and issues.
8. Train employees to handle interviews and other public information opportunities.
9. Collaborate with senior staff, program directors, and administrators to develop public information materials.
10. Support or produce digital media content, including videos, photographs, and audio.
11. Evaluate information products and strategies and provide recommendations for improvement.
12. Resolve general information inquiries from the public.
13. Define and implement key performance indicators and measurements to gauge the success of Media Relations and event planning initiatives.
14. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
15. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

(The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Journalism, Communications, Radio-Television-Film, or a related field (two years of relevant work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college);
• Minimum three years' professional work experience in writing, editing, and Media Relations work;
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 20% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Speechwriting and Media Relations experience;
• Familiarity of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr;
• Work experience in a digital journalism environment, including photography and video; and/or
• Spanish language experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong writing and editing skills and knowledge of the Associated Press (AP) style;
• Effective verbal communication skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to process information logically and to assess validity;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver's License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL 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, weekends, and overnight, as needed.  Involves safely operating a state vehicle and driving for long distances and traveling by airplane.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements):  State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors. 

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

THC 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.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf 

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance with translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER