TMD - Information Specialist III; TCA Media Information Specialist

TMD - Information Specialist III (TCA Media Information Specialist)

Performs highly complex (senior‑level) informational and communications work. The role involves coordinating the research, writing, editing, and production of content and materials for release to various communications media (news, print, digital, and social media) and for use by the agency, the general public, and other agencies. The position may supervise the work of others and reports to the Program Director.

• Primary staff member responsible for Youth Program marketing, digital footprint, and social media output.
• Coordinate with the State Youth Programs Director and the TCA Program Director to develop and implement the Texas Challe
  
  NGE Academy (TCA) marketing program.
• Develop and maintain a social media calendar.
• Prepare content for posting on social media sites, including broadcast messages and general comments.
• Prepare and distribute organizational publications, news and informational releases, talking points and scripts, advisories, newsletters, fact sheets, and content for websites and social media.
• Coordinate the illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products.
• Conduct interviews, research sources, and ensure the completeness and accuracy of printed and online materials.
• Promote and market the TCA program through social media platforms, press releases, and the development of marketing materials and strategies.
• Respond to general information inquiries about agency activities.
• Design and direct public information campaigns related to agency services.
• Assist in marketing programs to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in agency programs.
• Analyze content for accessibility and recommend changes to make content accessible and remediate accessibility issues.
• Analyze reports on social media activity and its effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain contact information for elected officials, news organizations, community based forums, and local programs and people of influence within a database system.
• Perform duty in support of national emergencies, disasters and other missions, to include holidays and weekends.
• Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency state employee policies and procedures handbook.
• Perform other work as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in journalism, communications, media relations, public information, public relations, or social media management (experience in writing, scripting, editing or media relations work, and using Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Substitution:
  Additional years of experience in marketing, public relations, recruitment, or related field may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis up to four years.
• Preferred:
  Master’s degree in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field.
• Preferred:
  Texas Challe
  
  NGE Academy graduates.
• Preferred:
  Experience in the military.
• Preferred:
  Experience working with youth who are emotionally/behaviorally at‑risk.
• Preferred:
  Experience working with community outreach programs or alternative education programs.
• Preferred:
  Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Valid driver’s license required; must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of relocation for non‑resident applicants.
• First Aid and CPR certifications required at the time of hire or to be obtained within six months of employment.
• Background investigation required; selected candidate must be able to obtain a satisfactory record.

• Health insurance benefits (employee premiums are covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).
• Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance at competitive rates.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and State and Federal holidays.
• Defined benefit retirement structure (cash balance benefit) with a state match equal to 150% of the account balance at retirement and guaranteed earnings of at least 4% annually.
• Additional voluntary retirement savings programs (Texaa Saver 401(k) and 457 programs).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Potential for modified work schedules including flex, compressed, or telework (position dependent).
• Free access to Camp Mabry Museum and historical structures.
• Robust free training access through Texas Military Department and Web‑Based Learning Program.
• Expansive Employee Assistance Program and complimentary counseling services.
• Employee Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs.