OAG - Communications | Information Specialist III-IV | 26-0250

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The press secretary assists with the daily operations of the Communications Division. The press secretary monitors and responds to media inquiries, writes and edits press releases, drafts materials including op-eds, social media content and talking points, and tracks current events and performs research on a variety of legal and policy issues in the public interest. The press secretary must be detail-oriented and capable of meeting short deadlines.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for writing and editing press releases
• Responds to media requests as an on-the-record spokesperson or designates another appropriate spokesperson or information source to ensure accurate and timely responses
• Assists in preparing and coordinating outreach events, news conferences and interviews
• Exercises independent judgment and initiative to identify, prioritize and implement short and long-term priorities within the agency in assigned areas. Develops and executes corresponding communications, marketing, and strategic policy plans
• Conceives and develops a variety of public information for both print and broadcast products, including press releases and online media. Must be able to clearly convey legal issues in easily accessible format, show skills in journalistic style writing.
• Edits and writes a variety of formats, including talking points, news releases and electronic media, clearly conveying complex legal rulings in easy-to-understand language
• Maintains knowledge of writing and editing for accuracy and style
• Works over 40 hours per week as needed. Hours might include evenings and weekends.
• Provides excellent customer service and works both independently and as a team in a collegial environment
• Performs related work as assigned
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity