DPS - HSO - Deputy Press Secretary - 1834

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Perform highly advanced (senior-level) information and communications coordination work for the Media and Communications Office. Develops a working relationship with local, statewide and national press corps, providing information to the media and key stakeholders in a timely efficient manner with emphasis on a clear and concise message. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Enter Crosswalk here: Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Provide direction and guidance in strategic communication and messaging by department spokespeople.2. Provide information and deliver departmental messaging to traditional and new media outlets related to a wide variety of topics, including major traffic accidents, major crimes, and agency activities. 3. Assist with the development of news releases, statements, and other written materials to relay activities and accomplishments of the agency to the public through traditional and online media sources.4. Regularly assist and provide guidance to regional spokespeople in developing responses to media inquiries and implementing public relations strategies.5. Coordinate, organize, and staff department press conferences, interviews with senior level staff or commissioners, and other media outreach efforts with other state agencies and outside organizations.6. Respond to emergency media requests during other than normal working hours.7. Provide media relations guidance to agency personnel as needed.8. Oversee, prepare, edit, and publish various written materials as requested by agency staff and leadership, including information for the agency’s website and social media platforms.9. Assist with analyzing content for accessibility, makes recommendations to make content accessible and remediate accessibility issues.10. Assist with marketing programs to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in agency programs.11. Assist in developing/tracking/monitoring news coverages, local, state and nationally.12. Instruct media relations classes at recruit schools and other internal training regarding the department’s media relations policies and protocols, and related topics.13. Travel occasionally to other cities to perform general media and communications tasks, sometimes on short notice and for unknown durations.14. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.15. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in journalism, government, criminal justice, or communications or related field.Experience – Minimum of eight years’ full-time work experience providing information to the public through the mass media, public or private nonprofit organizations, government or private sector public relations, public affairs offices or similar entities.Substitution Note: Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another with two years verifiable experience equal to one year of education.Licensure and/or Certification – If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism. Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.Research and Comprehension – Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.Safety – Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.Travel and/or Schedule – Availability for after-hour, weekend, holiday, and emergency work is required.PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.• Environment: Office; • Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;• Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;• Ability to transfer weights of thirty pounds anticipated for this position;• Driving requirements: Occasional (30%).

---