Senior Communications Specialist

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Communications Team is looking for an experienced marketing professional to fill the Senior Communications Specialist position. This is a hybrid role with opportunities to work remotely and in-person at our office in Austin, Texas.

The Senior Communications Specialist will work with DSHS program partners and vendors on public health topics like vaping, maternal health, immunizations, and more. The ideal candidate will have experience in public health communication and expertise overseeing multichannel campaigns, including creative message development, market research, and media buys. This role requires strategic thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, and exceptional writing and content development skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements all marketing and communication campaigns, public relations efforts, strategies, and programs for internal and external audiences.

• Oversees creation and distribution of agency publications, public relations materials, and content for websites and social media.

• Serves as a liaison between the Communications Unit and external research and social marketing contractors, vendors, and internal agency program areas.

DSHS and the State of Texas provides a comprehensive total compensation package for full-time employees including 100% employer-paid health insurance, 12 days of sick leave and 12 days of vacation leave in the first year of employment, an average of 15 paid holidays annually, and generous retirement contributions. The Employee Retirement System (ERS) of Texas administers the benefits and retirement plans for DSHS. To learn more about the options available to employees, please visit the ERS website. Essential Job Functions:

(40%) Provides consultation services regarding public information, communications strategies, initiatives, marketing campaigns, stakeholder communications and outreach, trainings, conferences, and other initiatives. May provide project management through the oversight of communication strategies, creative direction (including video production), and written content and lead other marketing initiatives depending on the subject matter.

(30%) Oversees the preparation and distribution of news, informational releases, talking points and scripts (including video), fact sheets, publications, and online content. Coordinates messaging on health education and health promotion and identifies opportunities to develop and execute communication plans.

(15%) Provides support for the Communications Unit, DSHS Media Relations, Government Affairs, and stakeholder relations as needed. Coordinates with agency partners to ensure all communications products are translated appropriately.

(10%) Collaborates with DSHS Web Services Team to ensure information is posted quickly and is accurate, relevant, and informative.

(5%) Other duties as assigned. As part of agency emergency response, all employees may be required to work extended or alternate hours during a public health emergency. Manages public awareness, outreach, or marketing campaigns during a public health emergency. Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Senior-level knowledge of communication strategies and best practices and branding and marketing principles.

• Knowledge of general professional writing principles and standards.

• Excellent analytic and decision-making skills.

• Skill in strategic communication planning and project management.

• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

• Ability to accurately interpret and translate agency programs and research into public information.

• Ability to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, clients in senior-level meetings, and conduct presentations to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and projects. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None. Initial Selection Criteria:

1.Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in communications or a related field is preferred.

2.Minimum of two years of experience with communication development and/or managing projects and accounts.

3.Experience developing and implementing communication strategies aimed at external audiences.

4.Experience researching, writing, editing, and producing content in a wide variety of formats, including print, digital video, and social media.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants with public health communications experience and experience overseeing multichannel campaigns including creative message development, market research, and media buys. Additional Information:

Req# 603152

Applicants selected for an interview should be prepared to:

• discuss previous marketing/public awareness campaigns and/or communications experience;
• share portfolio and work samples if available;
• speak about ONE of the DSHS public health campaigns or communications below, provide ideas on how to improve and/or expand the campaign or communications item you chose.
• DSHS Flu Campaign
• DSHS Alzheimer's Campaign
• DSHS Vaping Campaign
• DSHS Social Media Communications - search @TexasDSHS MOS Code:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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