24-124 – Communications Specialist (Information Specialist III-IV)

[Member Only Content]

Employer: Texas Water Development Board

City: Austin

Position Description:

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission – Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.

To be considered for this position, candidates MUST include FOUR writing samples with the State application:

one opinion editorial or another published article,
one written sample edited by the applicant, and
two writing samples of the applicant’s choice.
Samples should demonstrate the scope of writing abilities.

Applications without writing samples will not meet the minimum requirement to be considered.

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Salary Ranges:

Information Specialist III: $4,500.00/monthly – $4,833.33/monthly***
Information Specialist IV: $4,834.00/monthly – $5,208.33/monthly***

Job Description Summary

The Texas Water Development Board is seeking a motivated and exceptionally detail-oriented communicator who will be dedicated to sharing the stories of our state’s most important resource: water.

As part of the award-winning Agency Communications team, the Communication Specialist performs highly complex to advanced (senior-level) work that involves interpreting complex material and composing content understandable to diverse audiences. Work involves coordination and execution of the editing, research, writing, and distribution of content and materials. Serves as the agency writing and editing liaison to other departments. May assist with other communications and public relations-related tasks and projects and may train others. Works under limited supervision, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Strategic Communications Department.

Essential Job Functions

Performs advanced editorial work, revising content for readability, brevity, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and agency style.
Serves as primary editor of the State Water Plan and State Flood Plan.
Edits technical reports, legislative reports, and other written materials as requested by agency departments.
Assists with researching and developing engaging content, such as articles, website copy, marketing materials, social media posts, e-blasts, and more for target audiences.
Develops compelling narratives that effectively communicate the TWDB’s message, vision, and values.
Crafts impactful talking points and presentations for speeches, op-eds, and other content for the Board and leadership team as needed, ensuring clarity and mission alignment.
Manages the agency style and correspondence guide and serves as the writing/editing liaison between the Communications office and other agency divisions.
Assists with reviewing video scripts and composing articles for the Texas Water Newsroom.
Assists with developing and distributing internal and external e-newsletters.
Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include attending mandatory training courses.
May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, English, Communications, or a related field.
Work Experience:
Information Specialist III – four years of relevant experience in journalism, public relations, public information, communications, or a content creation role including storytelling in editorial or academic writing, speech writing, or grant writing.
Information Specialist IV – five years of relevant experience in journalism, public relations, public information, communications, or a content creation role including storytelling in editorial or academic writing, speech writing, or grant writing.
Experience writing articles and other content within a government agency, higher education, non-profit, communications or public relations agency, or similar environment.
Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Six or more years of experience in editorial management, speech writing, storytelling, or content strategy.
Previous experience with writing and editing publications, reports, and other print materials.
Experience in a government or non-profit environment with a heavy emphasis on writing and editing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Strategic Communications Department.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Knowledge and mastery of grammar, style, and usage guidelines (the TWDB largely follows the Chicago Manual of Style).
Knowledge of social media platforms and trends.
Knowledge of formatting and editing works cited and references within a document.
Skills in using Microsoft Word (including advanced settings and using text styles), Excel, and PowerPoint.
Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
Skills in attention to detail and accuracy, as well as in ensuring consistency within materials.
Skills in oral and written communication.
Skills in researching topics and sources and consulting subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.
Skills in simplifying technical and scientific information for lay and other audiences.
Ability to work with senior management.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave, and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on time with little or no supervision.
Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
Ability to complete assigned work on time, neatly, and with infrequent errors.
Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks.
Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities, such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
Ability and willingness to travel 10% of the time, primarily within the state of Texas.
Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
Ability to work shifts that may occasionally exceed 8 hours a day, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to train others.

Application Instructions:
Apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system

https://tinyurl.com/24-124-CAPPS