TxDMV - Information Specialist (Onsite)

STATE TITLE: INFORMATION SPECIALIST III - IV

This position is required to work at Headquarters located in Austin, Texas. Telecommuting may be necessary due to current building construction.

To apply for this position, complete an on-line application through the Applicant Career Section or through WorkInTexas. TxDMV does not accept paper applications. 

Applicants who require accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

General Description

Our mission at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is to serve, protect and advance the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services.  We are a dynamic state agency dedicated to customer service, consumer protection and the success of motor vehicle-related industries.

Level Iii

Performs highly complex informational, educational, and communications work in support of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Government and Strategic Communications Division (GSC). Functions as a communications liaison for TxDMV and website development coordinator. Work involves coordinating research, writing, editing, and production of informational programs and materials for release to the public, news media, legislative offices, other government entities, and businesses regulated by the department. Performs maintenance, updates and revises content, and makes additions to TxDMV internal and external websites. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Level Iv

Performs highly advanced informational, educational, and communications work in support of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Government and Strategic Communications Division (GSC). Functions as a principal communications liaison for TxDMV and website development coordinator. May serve as a back-up for responding to external information requests processed by the division, including media inquiries. Work involves coordinating research, writing, editing, and production of informational programs and materials for release to the public, news media, legislative offices, other government entities, and businesses regulated by the department. Performs maintenance, updates and revises content, and implements additions to TxDMV internal and external websites. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties – Level Iii

(40%) Develops and curates website content and participates in usability testing. Prepares intranet blog articles to communicate TxDMV changes, activities, and goals.

(40%) Plans, coordinates, and implements TxDMV communications activities, including the preparation and distribution of organizational publications, news and informational releases, clippings, educational scripts, and website content. Responsible for communicating consistent messages across print, spoken and electronic media. Ensures that key, strategic messages are communicated effectively and consistently to target audiences.

(5%) Works with program staff to coordinate and evaluate the distribution of organizational publications, news and information releases, and website content. Provides guidance and assistance in the preparation of communication documents for agency divisions.

(5%) Assists with the monitoring and maintenance of TxDMV social media sites.

(5%) Oversees promotional and educational communication creation. Maintains accuracy of communication materials and develops production timelines.

Prepares and edits internal reports related to section activities.

May develop, execute, or monitor media responses under the direction of division leadership.

Required to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work hours in accordance with department policy.

May travel up to 5% of the time. Travels by car (may include flying). May include overnight travel. May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties – Level Iv

(40%) Develops and curates website content and participates in usability testing. Prepares intranet blog articles to communicate TxDMV changes, activities, and goals.

(40%) Plans, coordinates, and implements TxDMV communications activities, including the preparation and distribution of organizational publications, news and informational releases, clippings, educational scripts, and website content. Responsible for communicating consistent messages across print, spoken and electronic media. Ensures that key, strategic messages are communicated effectively and consistently to target audiences.

(5%) Works with program staff to coordinate and evaluate the distribution of organizational publications, news and information releases, and website content. Provides guidance and assistance in the preparation of communication documents for agency divisions.

(5%) Assists with the monitoring and maintenance of TxDMV social media sites.

(5%) Oversees promotional and educational communications, creating strategies for targeting and gaining access to new and existing audiences. Maintains accuracy of communication materials and develops production timelines.

Plans and coordinates TxDMV communication campaigns. Prepares and edits communication reports related to section activities, effectiveness, and agency campaigns.

Writes, edits, and supports the content development of internal communications across print, spoken and digital platforms.

Develops, executes, and monitors media responses under the direction of division leadership.

Required to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work hours in accordance with department policy.

May travel up to 5% of the time. Travels by car (may include flying). May include overnight travel. May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to research and prepare complex technical information, to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency, to compose usable content for websites and social media, to prepare copy and scripts, to design broad communications plans and materials, and to communicate effectively to audiences with diverse needs.
• Knowledge of the motor vehicle industry, government regulation of vehicles – such as registration and titling – or the licensing and administrative enforcement of private retail related businesses.
• Knowledge of website coding languages, and their use, including JSON, HTML, and PHP files.
• Experience with server directory structures such as Linux/Unix and IIS.
• Experience writing and editing complex, multi-line CSS documents.
• Knowledge of Google Analytics (GA4) website metrics reporting.
• Knowledge of state agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and communication media; major social media platforms; editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and publishing or broadcast industries.
• Skill in editorial and design practices, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to work cooperatively with numerous internal programs and negotiate conflicts related to time, resources, and goals.
• Experience with Siteimprove and MS Publisher platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Education And Experience

Level Iii

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the U.S. equivalency thereof in public relations, journalism, advertising, radio/television/film, communications, English, social sciences, business, marketing or a related field plus three (3) years' experience in public or government communications or journalism. Minimum of two (2) years of experience with website content management platforms such as WordPress or Drupal. (Experience requirements may be satisfied by full-time experience or the prorated part-time equivalent.) 

Level Iv

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the U.S. equivalency thereof in public relations, journalism, advertising, radio/television/film, communications, English, social sciences, business, marketing or a related field plus four (4) years' experience in public or government communications or journalism. Minimum of three (3) years of experience with website content management platforms such as WordPress or Drupal. (Experience requirements may be satisfied by full-time experience or the prorated part-time equivalent.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud; Originating assets in Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, Acrobat; Remediating PDF documents in Acrobat
• Experience with professional/organizational social media content management
• Experience with accessibility requirements for digital media and websites (Section 508 Requirements)
• Experience creating and remediating electronic assets for accessibility: Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint, Publisher, Video/Multimedia content
• Experience with GovDelivery mass communication platform.
• Conversational or fluent in Spanish.
• Photography experience – portrait, candid, and events.

Additional Information

Telecommuting may be necessary due to current building construction.

Benefits

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü    Retirement Plan

ü    Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü    Paid Holidays

ü    Paid Vacation Leave

ü    Paid Sick Leave

ü    Longevity Pay

ü    Dental

ü    Vision

ü    Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü    Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü    Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü    Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

ü    Tuition Assistance Program

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Registration, Certification And/Or Licensure

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within ninety (90) days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.

JOB OFFERS AND CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check and driver’s record check
• Compliance with Selective Service registration for males ages 18-25
• Required to attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Military

If selected for the position the following must be provided for proof of military employment preference:

• Veteran must provide form DD 214
• Surviving Spouse or Orphan must provide DD 1300 or DD 214. 

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes that may correspond to the state classification title for this position are listed on the State Auditor’s Office Job Descriptions; click on the occupational category for the position. Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information.

Submission Of Application

Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education.  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information.  

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The TxDMV provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.  If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodation, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance on 512-465-4043.