Agency Announcements

TSABAA Job Board

Information Specialist IV

Dec 2, 2024

Texas Department of Information Resources

Job Posting:

#00046760

Opened:

12/02/2024

Closes:

12/13/2024

Position Title:

Information Specialist IV

Class/Group:

1833/B22

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Army 46S; Navy MC; Coast Guard PA, INF, SEI13; Marine Corps 4502, 4503, 4505, 8055;

Air Force 3N0X6, 35PX

Fair Labor Standards Act Status:

Exempt

Number of Vacancies:

1

Division/Section:

Deputy Executive Director/Public Affairs Office

Salary Range:

$5416.67 – $6250.00 / monthly

Duration:

Regular

Hours Worked Weekly:

40

Work Schedule:

This position may be eligible for flexible work hours and/or a hybrid work schedule if certain program guidelines are met; working arrangements may change at any time at the sole discretion of the agency.

DIR has a hybrid work policy. Employees are required to work onsite 2 days a week and may work remotely 3 days a week.  

Travel:

Limited

Work Location:

300 W. 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701

Web site:

https://dir.texas.gov/

Refer Inquiries to:

People and Culture Office

Telephone:

(512) 475-4612 or (512) 463-5920

How To Apply:

  • You must create a CAPPS Career Section candidate profile or be logged in to apply.
  • Update your profile and apply for the job by navigating through the pages and steps.
  • Once ready, select “Submit” on the “Review and Submit” page.

Special Instructions:

  • Applicants must provide in-depth information in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section to demonstrate how they meet the position qualifications. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
  • Resumes may be uploaded as an attachment but are not accepted in lieu of the information required in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section of the application.

Interview Place/Time:

Candidates will be notified for appointments as determined by the selection committee.

Selective Service Registration:

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25 years, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or proof of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship:

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Department of Information Resources does not exclude anyone from consideration for recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action, or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities, which it sponsors on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.  Please call 512-475-4922 to request reasonable accommodation.

What We Do

We are a technology agency powered by people.

DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.

DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 250 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how technology serves Texans.

Position Summary

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) informational and communications work involving the collection of information to develop, create, and produce content and materials for release to various communications media (broadcast, print, digital, and/or social) and for use by the agency, the general public, and other government agencies. Drafts and executes content across traditional and digital media channels, press releases, media statements, and other content to execute DIR’s strategic plans.  This role acts as a key liaison for DIR’s Board of Directors to ensure streamlined communications and meeting coordination. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

 

  • Develops and prepares publications, news and informational press releases, talking points and scripts, advisories, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for websites and social media; Routes memoranda and other correspondence through appropriate channels, ensuring timeliness and adherence to standard formats. Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive material by protecting sensitive and privileged information.
  • Drafts, plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and edits content for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publications. Designs, researches, writes and edit newsletters and releases for internal or external use; Designs and maintains databases i.e., mailing lists, association & agency lists, media contacts, etc.
  • Performs media and public relations duties including news releases, fielding questions from media, drafting responses for media, creating presentations, and responding to requests for information from the media or the general public. Facilitates training of agency staff to communicate with the media, educates external media on DIR’s public relations and media standard operating procedures.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for DIR’s Board of Directors, coordinating logistics for all board and sub-committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda creation, materials preparation and meeting room coordination.
  • Creates monthly communications summarizing DIR initiatives to update the DIR board on key activities and pertinent information between quarterly board meetings.
  • Maintains DIR’s Board meeting calendar, issues calendar invitations and updates regarding scheduled meetings, and maintains the master list of all meetings involving Board members; Creates and updates a database to track Board members’ information, including service dates, committee assignments, and meeting attendance; Enters and submits Board member expense reimbursements for approval, provides regular updates regarding reimbursements, and maintains expense records.
  • Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders, including senior management and content creators; Responds to media inquiries in a timely manner and prepare briefings in compliance with DIR’s policies and procedures and Texas government requirements.
  • Identifies and reports potential problems or issues to appropriate levels of management and seeking resolution assistance
  • Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Education

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing, Media Studies, or a related field.
  • Additional work-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis (High-school diploma required.

Experience and Training Required

  • Five (5) years of experience with traditional and digital media outreach, including press releases, media advisories, and news platforms.
  • Three (3) years of experience working with Boards of Directors, meeting planning, or similar experience.

Experience and Training Preferred

  • Experience working in a technology environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of public information, public relations, and media relations programs.
  • Knowledge of state government including the relationships between departments, divisions, agencies, and the Texas Legislature.
  • Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
  • Excellent communication skills – presentation, written, and verbal; ability to communicate concepts both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner; ability to effectively communicate with vendors, management, technical and non-technical staff and people of all backgrounds and organizational levels; ability to lead and facilitate meetings.
  • Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple projects.
  • Skill in educating and influencing employees and leaders at all levels.
  • Skill in dealing proactively with work-related problems; using creative systems and strategic thinking, logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches and implementing effective solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on concurrent tasks while effectively organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work assignments.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling and maintaining security of confidential information; ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in all communications.
  • Ability to act calmly under stress and work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers; ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
  • Ability to effectively interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Ability to lead and train others.
  • Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
  • Ability to manage disagreement and conflict among stakeholders concerning the substance of assigned tasks to ensure minimal disruption of work; ability to mediate disagreement or conflict to facilitate completion of tasks in a timely and effective manner.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
  • Ability to comply with all agency policies and applicable laws.
  • Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.

Computer Skills

  • Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).

Other Requirements

  • Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.
  • Criminal background check.

Working Conditions

  • Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.
  • Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.
  • Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.
  • Limited travel may be required.