Senior Communications Specialist

Job Description :

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 % 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 . 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.
30+ days ago