OAG - Communications | Information Specialist III-

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100141andPostingSeq=1Job DescriptionGENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe 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 States 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 FUNCTIONSResponsible for writing and editing press releasesResponds to media requests as an on-the-record spokesperson or designates another appropriate spokesperson or information source to ensure accurate and timely responsesAssists in preparing and coordinating outreach events, news conferences and interviewsExercises 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 plansConceives 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 languageMaintains knowledge of writing and editing for accuracy and styleWorks 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 environmentPerforms related work as assignedMaintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functionsAttends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work scheduleEnsures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected informationComplies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrityMINIMUM 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: 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 styleSkill in research and writing on complex issuesSkill in writing and editing press releases for accuracy and styleAbility to clearly convey difficult legal rulings in easy-to-understand languageAbility to meet aggressive and last-minute deadlines on parallel tracksAbility to use appropriate judgment in speaking to a variety of media, including general interest publications and electronic mediaSkill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlinesSkill in effective oral and written communicationSkill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision makingAbility to receive and respond positively to constructive feedbackAbility to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environmentAbility to provide excellent customer serviceAbility 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 travelAbility to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSAAbility 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: Three additional years of full-time experience in the following (or closely related) fields: communications, public relations, or journalismPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Masters Degree in a related disciplineExperience communicating ideas efficiently and effectivelyKnowledge of local, state, and federal policyKnowledge of consumer protection issues and consumer advocacyExperience 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 Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Information and CommunicationTHE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER