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CAPPS, Inc.

OAG - Communications | Information Specialist III-IV |

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


Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Media & Communications Coordinator works closely with the Texas Attorney General's Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director on all media and communications matters, including writing and editing press releases, writing sophisticated talking points on complex subject matter, fielding media inquiries, booking interviews and media appearances, drafting social media posts and strategies, coordinating public-facing website material, and organizing press conferences for the Texas Attorney General and the activities of the agency.

The Media & Communications Coordinator must possess outstanding attention to detail, exceptional judgment, excellent writing skills, ability to adhere to quick deadlines, and strong understanding of legal and policy subject matter. In addition, the Media & Communications Coordinator must maintain availability outside of standard work hours, must be able to take initiative to solve problems, must be able to follow through until matters are resolved, must work collegially to build relationships across the agency, must closely follow the status of OAG litigation internally and in the news, and must uphold an unwavering standard of complete accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

The Media & Communications Coordinator works alongside the Communications Director and Deputy Director to drive press strategies in accordance with agency leadership priorities, aiming to educate the public and engage a state-wide and national audience with the work of the Office of the Attorney General. This includes coordinating closely with the executive team, the legal divisions, the multimedia and graphics teams, and the web administration team to help the public understand the work of the Communications Division.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. 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

Plans and executes media announcements and press rollouts including booking media appearances and placing stories, planning press conferences, writing press releases and talking points, and executing on the overarching Communications strategy in close consultation with the Communications Director and Deputy Director. Assists in drafting speeches, remarks, and op-eds. Tracks current events and performs research on legal and policy issues in the public interest. Manages front-facing components of the agency's work by conducting a variety of functions, including coordinating website elements with the web administration team, planning social media posts, and overseeing other public outreach and engagement activities conducted by agency employees. Responds to media requests in consultation with Executive Leadership as an on-the-record spokesperson or designates another appropriate spokesperson or information source to ensure accurate and timely responses. Assists in booking interviews and media appearances to amplify the Attorney General's work in state and national outlets. 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 assigned. Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions. Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule. Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information. Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity. Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in government, political science, communications, public relations, or related field. Related work experience for required education on a year-for-year basis. Experience: At least three years of full-time work experience including experience in communications, writing, journalism, or related fields Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively on a variety of legal and public policy issues. Ability to clearly convey legal issues in easily accessible format and compose written products in a matter-of-fact journalistic style. Skill in journalistic writing style. Skill in research and writing on complex issues. Skill in writing and editing press releases for accuracy and style. Skill and ability to use social media. Ability to clearly convey difficult legal rulings in easy-to-understand language. Ability to meet aggressive and last-minute deadlines on parallel tracks. Ability to use appropriate judgment in speaking to a variety of media, including general interest publications and electronic media. Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Skill in effective oral and written communication. Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making. Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback. Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment. Ability to provide excellent customer service. Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave). Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel. Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA. Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs. Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 15% PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master's Degree in a related discipline. Experience communicating ideas efficiently and effectively. Experience booking media appearances and interviews. Experience in fast-paced environments including political campaigns or high-profile government offices. Experience staffing prominent figures or elected officials. Knowledge of local, state, and federal policy. Knowledge of consumer protection issues and consumer advocacy.

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_InformationandCommunication.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER