Director of Communications Division

About the role

Directs and manages all activities of the Communications Division to include media relations, internal communications, public strategies, publishing and design services, special events, and district public information personnel. Reports to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Work involves planning, developing and directing programs, campaigns, and services. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work at the highest level of discretion and independent judgment and are responsible for final outcome.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with district leadership, oversees District public information officers and media relations personnel to ensure TxDOT's messages are delivered consistently.

• Oversees and advises on media inquiries and requests, website updates and internal communications.
• Oversees and directs creative services including web services, media productions and graphic design work for the department.
• Oversees internal/external communications, special events, media production, press releases, social media, web initiatives, public strategies and programs.
• Oversees news release preparation and communications relating to TxDOT projects, initiatives, and/or personnel for internal/external distribution and to the media.
• Prepares sensitive and high-level correspondence.
• Recommends staffing and funding for division related activities.
• Recommends to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs procedures for Department communication activities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field. 7 years of experience in communications functions, including traditional media and social media. Must have three (3) years managerial/supervisory experience. Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Policies and procedures used by the communications media and media relations.
• Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall business strategy/results; anticipating and adjusting for problems/roadblocks
• Comfortable using agency-approved Artificial Intelligence to refine communications across the state.
• Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines
• 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
• Dealing courteously and effectively with the public
• Persuasion, negotiation, and communication of critical issues
• Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long-term deadlines
• Directing the development and implementation of policy and operating procedures
• Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively

Benefits

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