Bilingual Media and Communications Officer

Texas A&M University; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Bilingual Media and Communications Officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management. This role involves developing media strategies, managing communications, and conducting outreach across Texas.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in communications and five years of experience, with a strong emphasis on bilingual communication skills. The position is full-time and based in Austin, Texas, and will involve flexible hours as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or equivalent experience.
• Five years of related experience required.
• Bilingual in Spanish is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a cohesive media and communications strategy.
• Manage media inquiries, interviews, and press releases.
• Conduct multicultural outreach across the state.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish

Excellent written and verbal communication

Public information officer experience

Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Leadership and management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or equivalent

Job description

Job Title

Bilingual Media and Communications Officer – Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Media and Communications Section.

Requested Salary: Proposed minimum $6,666.67 monthly ($80,000.04 – $94,500.00 annually). Salary is commensurate with experience and will be determined by the Division Chief.

Location: Austin, Texas. Job Type: Staff. This position is on‑site only and is not subject to telecommuting.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity. This role may require extended hours, weekends, holidays, and flexible duties as needed. The Officer will develop a cohesive media and communications strategy, oversee content development for public information distribution, promote agency initiatives, respond to media inquiries, draft and distribute press releases, schedule or conduct interviews, and manage crisis communications.

The Officer will conduct multicultural outreach across the state, collaborate with state emergency management council public information officers, support public information coordination, and operate the state’s Joint Information Center. Duties include managing the media and communications budget, maintaining quality control of all agency releases, establishing priorities and measurement tools, and evaluating program activities.

SALARY RANGE

$6,666.67 – $7,875.00 monthly ($80,000.04 – $94,500.00 annually).

INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT

Selected candidates will complete a skill assessment demonstrating proficiency in translating from English to Spanish in both verbal and written exercises.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a cohesive communications strategy in collaboration with the Section Chief, Media and Communications, division staff, and executive management.
• Respond to media inquiries, provide on‑camera interviews, coordinate press conferences, and draft and distribute press releases and executive speeches.
• Translate content for publication across agency platforms and support multicultural communications outreach in multiple languages.
• Collaborate with TDEM Media and Communications staff to address internal and external communication objectives, including disaster‑specific public information campaigns.
• Manage a joint information center during declared disasters in partnership with state emergency management council agency communication directors.
• Maximize existing and new communication assets and channels (e.g., website, marketing collateral, social media).
• Maintain and update these channels to ensure a high‑quality presence.
• Develop, establish, and implement goals and objectives aligned with the agency’s strategic plan.
• Provide pre‑emptive planning and crisis communications management.
• Maintain quality control of all information released by the agency.
• Travel up to 50%; drive as required; face‑to‑face interactions are required.
• Maintain a regular attendance schedule, work extended hours when needed, and perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years of related experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Advanced degree may offset experience requirements on a year‑for‑year basis (one year of experience equals thirty semester hours).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas, and of public administration principles.
• Extensive knowledge of all areas of the agency.
• Experience as a public information officer.
• Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, critical‑thinking, and analytical skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication, presentation, and social‑media content creation skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in Spanish.
• Ability to develop and organize program activities, set objectives, identify problems, evaluate alternatives, implement solutions, prepare reports, and supervise staff.
• Confidentiality, organizational, and independent work skills; ability to handle frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Multi‑tasking, prioritization, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Work extended or non‑traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Commitment to after‑hour, holiday, and weekend work, including twelve‑hour shifts during emergency operations.
• Travel and vehicle usage for state or out‑of‑state missions, sometimes overnight or extended periods.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one at hire.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE

Complete and obtain certification in IS‑100, IS‑200, IS‑700, IS‑800 and the Professional Development Series or Emergency Management Professionals Program Basic Academy FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment. Additional training may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCE

Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon verification of credentials. All positions are security‑sensitive.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

TDEM ABOUT US

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) maintains the all‑hazards emergency management program for the State of Texas, specializing in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation activities. TDEM advises and works closely with cities, counties, and state agencies to strengthen community resilience.