Lead Public Information Officer
Texas Department of Transportation
Houston, TX 77007
$90,000 - $106,634 a year
Description
Take the next step in your communications career at TxDOT's Houston District. Help lead a team of seasoned professionals who tell the story of the people, projects and programs of TxDOT. Utilize your communications experience and your project management experience to help take an already high-performing team to the next level.
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
- Retirement Plans
- Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
- On-the-Job Training
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
- Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
- Family-Friendly Policies and Programs
In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
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 | ERS (texas.gov)
This position plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of TxDOT's Houston District. Leads the public information team in the Houston District and oversees, delegates and distributes work and assignments in coordination with Section Director. You will lead communications initiatives and support the Communications Division and Southeast Section while training and mentoring staff at the district level. Also serves as a spokesperson for a 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 Southeast Public Information Office Director. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.
Essential Duties:
- Serves as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions; presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager; providing input on team members’ career conversations; and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.
- Serves as Chair on internal/external committees.
- Answers inquiries from the public.
- Attends public hearings.
- Coordinates meetings with media and Department staff.
- Makes presentations at schools, 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.
- 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.
- Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, or related field. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Experience: 5 years Public Relations, Communications, or related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent)
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 years public information project management experience
Competencies:
Extensive knowledge of:
- Policies and procedures used by the communications media
Expert skill in:
- Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
- 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-S4060: Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
- Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
- 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)
- This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
- Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
- Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
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
The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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