Primary Responsibilities
This is a responsible supervisory position. Responsible for managing and coordinating complex, collaborative projects or activities that require a high degree of specialized knowledge about Public Relations, Social Media, and Media Relations with Agency programs, stakeholders, and member governments; Supervision of Communications Specialist and all interns; Serves as lead with agency programs and external partnerships regarding public relations and marketing efforts for the regional council using a variety of media formats, in order to assist agency staff in promoting and raising awareness of services and events; Develops and manages social media strategy for the council; Participates in inter-governmental relations, specifically the development of partnerships with key stakeholders and governmental bodies; Responsible for the management and oversight of multiple agency websites; has responsibility for reviewing and approving all modifications of final communications prior to release to the general public; Responsible for management and oversight of agency contact database that includes, but is not limited to member governments, media, and general interest parties.
Essential Functions
Provides content for all agency programs through Social Media Platforms; Management and oversight of multiple Agency website and Social Media platforms; Conducts media relations and social media best practices training; Publicizes all agency and program events utilizing social media and conventional communication methods; Monitors legislative issues; Attends legislative hearings that impact agency initiatives; Works on educating key legislative staff on regional issues; Routinely attends and presents to chamber and interagency meetings to expand agency network, and general public’s knowledge of AACOG; Has contact with public officials, representatives of other governmental agencies, private sector, agency staff, membership and the general public; Responsible for the development and maintenance of the department budget; Serves as the agency's liaison for event coordination (e.g. annual conferences, T4A, NARC, TARC, Roadshows, or program related event participation in the thirteen county region); Assists in the preparation of agency reports (e.g. Annual Report, Governor’s Office Performance & Productivity Report, among others); Assists in promoting all of AACOG's multiple programs and services through Social Media Platforms and outreach efforts; Create Agency press releases; Performs functions associated with the Communications Specialist position, as needed; Must have effective written and oral communication skills; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, membership, elected officials, governmental entities, private sector and the general public; Facilitates or manages the Agency’s virtual meetings; Performs other job related duties as assigned.
Desired Degree/Job Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mass communications, Journalism, Public Relations, plus at least five (5) years of progressively responsible, supervisory experience in the field or a related field, plus at least (5) five years in Public Relations, preferably in the Public Sector; Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Other Qualifications:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, GIS software; Experience collaborating with community partners; Strong fiscal background creating, implementing and managing budgets; Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills; Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities; Experience managing resources and personnel to achieve program requirements and AACOG mission; Valid Texas driver’s license or available alternate means of transportation.