Paris District Spokesperson/Public Information Officer

Paris District Spokesperson/Public Information Officer – (2402332) 

Position Information 

Looking for a job that utilizes your communications skills on creative projects? Join the TxDOT Communications Division to utilize your visual storytelling, creative writing and social media skills to inform the public of exciting projects and transportation trends. The ideal candidate has at least four years of communications/media relations experience and works well in a collaborative and dynamic, team environment. 

If you’re ready to use your communication skills to make a tangible impact on transportation and connect with the community, please apply to this exciting opportunity. Join us in shaping the future of transportation and making a difference in people’s lives. Apply today and let your talent drive change!

Minimum Salary

: 55,000.00 

Maximum Salary

: 70,000.00 

Pay Basis

: Yearly FLSA Status: Exempt 

Work Locations

: 

Paris District Headquarters 

1365 N MAIN ST 

Paris 75460

Travel

: Yes, 10 % of the Time Shift: Day Job Shift Details: 40 Location Flexibility: Hybrid Location Flexibility Details: Up to two days telework after initial onboarding period 

Benefits and Perks At TxDOT, we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include: 

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance vacanciesin.eu ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Serves as a spokesperson for the Paris District on a variety of sensitive and complex issues. Serves as a district liaison to the print and broadcast media, and the public. Reports to the Public Information Office Section Director. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies and private entities. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Video Storytelling: Produce engaging videos that tell the story of our transportation projects and employees, from construction updates to success stories, creating compelling visual narratives that resonate with the public.

2. Social Media: Keep Paris-area social media audiences informed and engaged, leveraging platforms to build excitement around our initiatives and address customer inquiries and concerns.

3. Customer Service: Respond to inquiries, feedback, and concerns from the public in a timely and empathetic manner.

4. Content Creation: Write captivating press releases, stakeholder emails and newsletters that convey complex transportation information in an easily digestible manner for the public.

5. Crisis Management: Be prepared to address public relations challenges and develop strategic communication plans to handle unexpected situations effectively.

6. Collaborative Team Player: Work closely with various internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders to gather information and insights for informative content creation.

Essential Duties:

• Writes news releases and makes posts to social media regarding various projects, special programs and items of interest regarding the Department and its employees for distribution to the media.
• Answers inquiries from the public.
• Attends public hearings.
• Develops and produces photography and video projects for various internal and external media sources.
• Makes presentations at schools and civic organizations and gives interviews about the Texas Department of Transportation projects and activities.
• Organizes and coordinates special activities, such as road opening ceremonies or VIP visits.
• Develops new methodologies to ensure public awareness.
• Coordinates meetings with media and Department staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, or related field

Experience: 4 years Public Relations, Communications, or related experience (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated part-time equivalent) -Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Video production and editing skills strongly preferred.
• Basic graphic design skills for creating visually appealing materials such as infographics and flyers also preferred.

Competencies:

Extensive knowledge of –

• Policies and procedures used by the communications media

Expert skill in –

• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external

Proficient skill in –

• The use of audio-visual equipment
• The use of photographic equipment
• Web design and use of applicable development tools for web structures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) 

Job

: Travel/Public Information 

Schedule

: Full-time 

Employee Status

: Regular 

Job Type

: Standard 

Job Level

: Non-Management 

Job Posting

: Jun 24, 2024, 10:41:54 PM 

Unposting Date

: Jul 25, 2024, 4:59:00 AM 

State Job Title/s: Information Specialist IV State Job Code/s: 1833 

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

Applicant Information The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information

Read Full Description