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CAPPS, Inc.

OAG - Communications | Director I-II |

CAPPS, Inc., Austin, Texas, us, 78716


Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Deputy Director for Communications serves as the second in command with respect to communications concerning the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. The Deputy Director for Communications performs advanced communications functions to represent and promote the OAG, including editing and writing press releases, social media content, talking points, speeches, and op-eds, coordinating press conferences, and responding to media requests. The Deputy Director for Communications reports directly to the Director of Communications and assists in managing the Communications Division.As the State's law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Deputy Director for Communications serves as designee for the Director of Communications, as necessary; follows vision of division and agency as established by Director of Communications and agency management; directs, plans, organizes, supervises, and monitors activities of division, including assisting with corrective and disciplinary actionsAssists the Director of Communications with managing all activities of the Constituent Affairs Division (CAD), including human resources, administrative, and organizational matters within CAD; plans, coordinates, and maintains production schedules within CAD; directs CAD activities to meet established goals; oversees all activities of CAD in a positive and effective manner by assigning work; evaluating work performance; making personnel action decisions (e.g., hirings, separations, merit salary increases, promotions); promoting employee morale; conducting corrective and disciplinary actions; and other supervisory functions; promotes and oversees CAD staff training and development; represents CAD at meetings and other related functionsPerforms advanced communications functions to represent and promote the Office of the Attorney General by performing tasks that include: responding to media requests using effective oral and written communication; designating appropriate spokespersons and information sources to ensure accurate and timely responses; preparing and coordinating press conferences and outreach events; conceiving and developing a variety of public information for both print and broadcast productions, including press releases and web-based media; editing and writing a variety of formats, including press releases and electronic media, with the ability to clearly convey complex legal rulings in easy-to-understand languagePrepares talking points, speeches, press releases, op-eds, assists with press conferences and attends interviews - all under aggressive and short-notice deadlines.Exercises independent judgment and initiative to identify, prioritize and implement short- and long-term priorities within the agency in assigned areas.Develops and executes corresponding communications, marketing and strategic policy plans.Performs related work as assignedMaintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functionsAttends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work scheduleEnsures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected informationComplies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrityQualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Director I:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or universityExperience: Seven years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: journalism, public relations, mass communicationsSkill and experience writing for a variety of formats such as press releases and electronic media for accuracy and styleSkill in writing journalistic styleSkill in effective written and oral communications through all outletsSkill in using a computer for work-processing and data entry/retrievalSkill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlinesSkill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision makingAbility to clearly convey difficult legal rulings in easy-to-understand language and accessible formatAbility to meet aggressive and last-minute deadlines on parallel tracksAbility to use appropriate judgment in speaking to a variety of media, including general interest publications and electronic mediaAbility to receive and respond positively to constructive feedbackAbility to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environmentAbility to provide excellent customer serviceAbility to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travelAbility to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSAAbility to lift and relocate 30 lbs.Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 25%

Director II, All of the above qualifications for a Director I, PLUS:

Experience: One additional year of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: journalism, public relations, mass communications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience "speaking on the record"Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the communications industry and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.Ability to manage program activities; establish goals and objectives; devise solutions to administrative problems; develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; prepare reports

TO APPLY

To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER