PUCT, Media Relations Specialist (Information Specialist III - V)

About External Affairs

The External Affairs Division serves as the PUCT's voice and primary connection to the public, stakeholders, and policymakers. Focused on transparency, education, and engagement, the division supports agency-wide priorities through strategic communication, outreach initiatives, and coordination with the Texas Legislature. Whether informing Texans about utility regulations or guiding industry stakeholders through compliance, External Affairs plays a critical role in advancing the Commission's mission.

Communications

Communications serve as the eyes, ears, and most importantly, the voice of the PUCT. Our top priority is educating and informing Texans about the duties, responsibilities, and actions of our agency. We do this daily in many ways, including the use of multiple social media channels, media engagement, website management, infographic and collateral materials creation, audio/video and photography production, persuasive writing, media and social media monitoring and other tools.

About the Role

The Communications Department is seeking a Media Relations Specialist, a position responsible for serving as an agency spokesperson; responding to media inquiries; developing news releases, media advisories, talking points, and other communication materials; building relationships with members of the media and key stakeholders; and collaborating with subject matter experts to communicate complex regulatory information in a clear, accurate, and timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required minimum qualifications to be considered for this position.

Information Specialist III

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;
• A minimum of three years' experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Information Specialist IV

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;
• A minimum of four years' experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Information Specialist V

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;
• A minimum of five years' experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact for an organization.
• Experience developing news releases, media advisories, talking points, and other public communication materials.
• Experience communicating complex technical, regulatory, or policy-related information to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with state government, public utilities, or other regulated industries.

Schedule

The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests, including any form of telecommuting, is at management's discretion and based on the business needs of the agency and the requirements of the position.

Newly hired employees are required to complete a waiting period before becoming eligible to telecommute. After thirty (30) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to one (1) day per week. After ninety (90) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to two (2) days per week. Supervisors may require new hires to report to the office more frequently if necessary to support training, performance, or business needs.