Job Description:
Information Specialist V
Under the general direction of the Digital Communication Manager, this position performs senior, highly advanced communications-related work to build the DSHS brand and increase public and stakeholder knowledge and awareness of public health issues. In collaboration with DSHS programs and outside marketing vendors, work involves planning, developing, and implementing communication campaigns, public relations efforts, strategies, and programs for internal and external audiences. The role requires strategic thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, ease with executives, high emotional intelligence, and exceptional writing and content development skills.
The Senior Communications Specialist oversees creation and distribution of agency publications and public relations materials, news, and informational releases, talking points and scripts (including video), fact sheets, and content for websites and social media. Work may involve effective research, writing, editing, and production in a wide variety of formats, including social media, video, and print, broadcast, or digital media.
The position works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. As part of agency emergency response, may be required to work extended or alternate hours during a public health emergency.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions:
(40%)
- Provides or coordinates consultation services to program staff regarding public information, public relations, and communications strategies for agency initiatives, marketing campaigns, stakeholder communications and outreach, trainings, conferences, and other communication-driven initiatives.
- May provide project management and execution through the oversight or development of communication strategies, creative direction (including video production), and written content.
- Serves as liaison between research and social marketing contractors, programs, and the Communications Unit.
- Consults with programs on public awareness, outreach, or marketing campaigns to provide consistent messaging.
- Manages public awareness, outreach, or marketing campaigns during a public health emergency. May lead other marketing initiatives depending on the subject matter.
(30%)
- Oversees the preparation and distribution of agency publications and public relations, news, and informational releases, talking points and scripts (including video), fact sheets, and content for websites and social media.
- Works with DSHS programs to coordinate messaging on initiatives related to health education and health promotion.
- Coordinates identified opportunities with Communications Director and program leads to develop and execute communication plans as needed.
- Coordinates with HHSC Communications on various initiatives, including but not limited to the master public awareness and marketing research contracts.
(15%)
- Provides support for other Communication Unit functions and activities such as online/interactive/social/emerging media communications, marketing research, social marketing, and internal communications.
- Coordinates with and supports the DSHS Media Relations, Government Affairs, and stakeholder relations units as needed.
- Coordinates with HHSC Language Services to ensure all communications products are translated into the necessary languages so Texans with limited English proficiency have access to services.
(10%)
- Responsible for working in collaboration with DSHS Web Services team to ensure information is posted quickly and is accurate, relevant, and informative.
(5%) Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge & Skills
Advanced, senior-level knowledge of communication strategies and best practices such as:
- Branding and marketing principles (how those principles apply to public agencies, audiences both internal and external, and how to build trust with all stakeholders through branding efforts).
- Extensive facilitation experience, specifically with small groups, working in challenging environments with audiences of different and often competing interests.
- Knowledge of English grammar and usage and general professional writing principles and standards.
- Knowledge of stakeholder, partner, and community relations.
- Knowledge of all types of media and their material requirements, as related to information dissemination via the web.
- Knowledge of libel, slander, privacy, and copyright laws.
Advanced, senior-level skills such as:
- Organizing, writing, communicating, and presenting information.
- Strategic communication planning.
- Written and oral communication.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
- Managing multiple and competing priorities and projects.
- Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions.
- Developing collaborative working relationships with diverse cross-functional groups.
Advanced, senior-level abilities such as:
- Excellent analytic and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to accurately interpret and translate agency programs and research into public information.
- Ability to track numerous projects at different development stages from conceptualization to final product.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other government officials, external vendors, and the public.
- Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with staff, vendors, and clients in senior-level meetings. Conducts presentations to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization and influence others to move toward a common vision or goal.
- Ability to speak to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for programs.
- Emotionally intelligent; able to perceive and understand emotions around change and how change can affect people in order to meet established goal
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Initial Selection Criteria:
Initial Screening Criteria:
A minimum of two years’ experience in communications development and/or project and account management.
- Skill in strategic communication planning, public relations, campaign, account, or project management.
- Experience planning, developing, and implementing communication strategies and programs aimed at external audiences.
- Experience researching, writing, editing, and producing content in a wide variety of formats, including print, digital video, and social media.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in communications or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Additional Information:
Requisition # 594641
For those selected for an interview, the following information should be provided:
Please be ready to discuss your past marketing/public awareness campaign or communications experience. Feel free to bring a portfolio, work samples, or your resume.
Please be ready to speak to the below DSHS public health campaigns and communication. Pick one campaign and be prepared to speak to ideas on how to improve or expand your chosen campaign.
Flu campaign
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xet9qFzOjUJoMY9UYa7zIwSs8Y8yi40
Alzheimer’s
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xet9qFzOjU3f3-pFhic-Fz7XghtU3c2
Vaping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP2DOm6vLEc&list=PL7xet9qFzOjUgbqwL6mrPmrz-p48a4ASB
Social Media:
@TexasDSHS MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
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