Location: Hidalgo,TX, USA
General Description
Under general direction, assists in public relation activities designed to provide County employees, citizens and area media with current information regarding all aspects of County operations; Supports Commissioners Court and County Departments in the areas of public information, media relations, and other communications services.
Examples of Work Performed
Performs substantial background research, writing, content development, fact-checking and editing for press releases, talking points, presentations, issues briefs, and other print, broadcast, and online publications
Assists in responding to information requests and inquiries from media and the public
Assists citizens and media during Commissioners Court and other public meetings
Assists in planning and coordination of special events, press conferences, and other County activities
Writes news releases, newsletters, information articles, legislative testimony, speeches, and other materials as assigned; distribution of information including posting and updating the County website, and the County's social media sites
Designs and prepares for online or print publication newsletters, invitations, programs, special reports, advertisements, graphics, and other items as assigned
Interacts with the Commissioners Court, elected officials, County departments, media, community and civic organizations, government and public organizations, private and business organizations and the general public
Assists with Public Information Requests. This involves seeking responsive documents from departments, tracking the status of the requests, drafting responses to the requestor, interacting with departments and, possibly with legal counsel, and other duties as assigned
Performs all other related duties involved as assigned or required
Work in fast-paced, demanding environment to meet all deadlines
Must be able to multi-task
Must be able to stay late, work weekends or be on call as needed to complete deadline assignments and in emergency response situations
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing or related field
Experience involving public relations and writing for publications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Two (2) years of related experience may be substituted for one (1) year of education
Certificates, Licenses and Registration:
Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license
Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, journalism, and mass communication
Basic knowledge of local government, including Texas Open Records and Open Meetings laws and procedures
Knowledge of marketing techniques and practices, including public opinion research techniques, methods, and tools
Knowledge of AP Style for news writers
Advanced skills and proficiency in photography and graphic design - including, but not limited to, framing, lighting and printing photographs or preparing photographs for print publications. Advanced skills in design, editing and preparing publications for print.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, including proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages, preferred
Ability to research, produce, fact-check, and edit for style and content written material on deadline
Ability to enunciate and articulate well enough to speak to groups of people
Ability to keep abreast of emerging issues, media trends, best practices
High standards of excellence, tact, discretion, honesty, integrity and professionalism in internal and external communications
Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality
The County of Hidalgo offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. For more information, please Click Here
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing or related field?
* Yes
* No
02
Do you have experience involving public relations and writing for publications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
* Yes
* No
Required Question
Agency Hidalgo County
Address 505 S. McColl Rd., Suite A
Edinburg, Texas, 78539
Phone 956-###-####
Website