OAG - Communications | Information Specialist III-IV | 26-0250

General Description

The press secretary assists with the daily operations of the Communications Division. The press secretary monitors and responds to media inquiries, writes and edits press releases, drafts materials including op-eds, social media content and talking points, and tracks current events and performs research on a variety of legal and policy issues in the public interest. The press secretary must be detail-oriented and capable of meeting short deadlines.

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

• Responsible for writing and editing press releases
• Responds to media requests as an on-the-record spokesperson or designates another appropriate spokesperson or information source to ensure accurate and timely responses
• Assists in preparing and coordinating outreach events, news conferences and interviews
• 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
• Conceives and develops a variety of public information for both print and broadcast products, including press releases and online media. Must be able to clearly convey legal issues in easily accessible format, show skills in journalistic style writing.
• Edits and writes a variety of formats, including talking points, news releases and electronic media, clearly conveying complex legal rulings in easy-to-understand language
• Maintains knowledge of writing and editing for accuracy and style
• Works over 40 hours per week as needed. Hours might include evenings and weekends.
• Provides excellent customer service and works both independently and as a team in a collegial environment
• 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

Information Specialist III

• 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: Two years of full-time experience in the following (or closely related) fields: communications, public relations, or journalism
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively on a variety of legal and public policy issues
• Skill in writing journalistic style
• Skill in research and writing on complex issues
• Skill in writing and editing press releases for accuracy and style
• 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%
  
  

Information Specialist IV: All of the above qualifications for a Information Specialist III, PLUS:

• Experience: Thee additional years of full-time experience in the following (or closely related) fields: communications, public relations, or journalism
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in a related discipline
• Experience communicating ideas efficiently and effectively
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal policy
• Knowledge of consumer protection issues and consumer advocacy
• Experience staffing prominent figures or elected officials.
  
  

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