Content Writer

TDEM - Texas A&M University System - Austin, TX

Full-time

Austin, TX

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed. Position often requires working extended hours, weekends and/or holidays. The Content Writer, operating under general supervision, delivers advanced writing, editing, and production expertise essential for the creation of specialized emergency management materials. They proactively identify, research, and champion new media opportunities across various platforms including print, multimedia, social networking, online channels, specialized documents, and media relations. This position supports the agency's press officers and duties include drafted responses to media inquiries, drafting/distributing press releases, scheduling interviews members of the media, and providing preemptive planning and crisis communications management as needed. This position actively assists agency divisions with drafting, reviewing, and copy editing internal/external written materials and documents. This position serves as a liaison to state emergency management council public information officers and officials, and duties include collaborating with state agency communications teams to support public information coordination. Maintains quality control of all information released on behalf of the agency. Establishes priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; and coordinating and evaluating program activities. Demonstrates creativity, technical expertise, superior communication skills and a high level of initiative and sound judgement. Must be available to work extended hours as necessary and work within tight deadlines. This position reports to the Section Chief, Media and Communications.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive research and produces high-quality press releases, media advisories, feature/news articles, and web content.
• Supports development of a cohesive communications strategy in collaboration with the Section Chief of Media and Communications, the Media and Communications Division Staff, and Executive Management as appropriate.
• Drafts responses to media inquiries, coordinates press conferences, and drafts and distributes press releases, including speeches for executive staff.
• Manages multiple content writing projects.
• Supports the development, execution, and upkeep of impactful outreach initiatives through the agency's public-facing platforms.
• Collaborates with TDEM Media and Communications staff to address internal and external communications objectives and strategies, to include disaster-specific public information campaigns, materials, and agency initiatives.
• Assists agency divisions with drafting, reviewing, and copy editing internal/external written materials and documents.
• Displays a high degree of professionalism and thorough understanding of the organization, mission, vision, and goals; builds relationships and has a solid understanding of communication strategies that will support the growth of the agency.
• Responsible for supporting a joint information center during declared disasters in partnership with state emergency management council agency communications staff.
• Maximize existing and new communication assets and channels (i.e. website, marketing collateral, social media, etc.). Maintains and updates these channels ensuring a high-quality presence.
• Participate in meetings and other activities that involve media coverage or story development.
• Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan.
• Maintains quality control of information released on behalf of the agency.
• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.
• Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English/creative writing/communications/journalism or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years of related experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working as a print journalist.

Benefits

• $7,500.00 monthly salary.