Public Affairs Manager

About the role

This is a responsible supervisory position managing and coordinating complex, collaborative projects requiring specialized knowledge in Public Relations, Social Media, and Media Relations with Agency programs, stakeholders, and member governments.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Reviews and approves all modifications of final communications prior to release to the general public
• Responsible for management and oversight of agency contact database including member governments, media, and general interest parties
• Provides content for all agency programs through 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 and 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
• Creates Agency press releases
• Performs functions associated with the Communications Specialist position, as needed
• Facilitates or manages the Agency's virtual meetings
• Performs other job related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible, supervisory experience in the field or a related field
• At least five (5) 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

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and 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
• 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
• Valid Texas driver's license or available alternate means of transportation

Pay

• Pay Grade 22
• Starting annual salary of $76,024.00
• Exempt position

Benefits

• AACOG is a qualifying employer for the US Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• AACOG offers a generous benefits package (details available at the ADVANTAGES of WORKING for AACOG)