Director of Communications Division

Texas Department of Transportation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave & holidays

Health premiums for full-time

On-the-job training

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Career development

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation in Austin seeks an experienced communications leader to direct the Communications Division, overseeing media relations, internal communications, and creative services, and to guide public information campaigns.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Deputy Director II will shape policy, set strategy, and collaborate with executives and officials across the agency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field.
• 7 years experience in communications including traditional media and social media.
• 3 years managerial/supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee District public information officers and media relations personnel to ensure consistent messaging.
• Advise on media inquiries, requests, website updates, and internal communications.
• Direct creative services including web services, media productions and graphic design work.
• Oversee internal/external communications, events, media production, press releases, social media, and public strategies.
• Prepare sensitive, high-level correspondence and reports.
• Recommend staffing and funding for division activities.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director and executives to shape communications policy.

Skills

Team leadership

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public relations

Policy development

Budget management

Written communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

AI in communications

Web services

Graphic design tools

Job description

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Directs and manages all activities of the Communications Division to include media relations, internal communications, public strategies, publishing and design services, special events, and district public information personnel. Reports to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs. Work involves planning, developing and directing programs, campaigns, and services. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work at the highest level of discretion and independent judgment and are responsible for final outcome.

Essential Duties

• In collaboration with district leadership, oversees District public information officers and media relations personnel to ensure TxDOT's messages are delivered consistently.
• Oversees and advises on media inquiries and requests, website updates and internal communications.
• Oversees and directs creative services including web services, media productions and graphic design work for the department.
• Oversees internal/external communications, special events, media production, press releases, social media, web initiatives, public strategies and programs.
• Oversees news release preparation and communications relating to TxDOT projects, initiatives, and/or personnel for internal/external distribution and to the media.
• Prepares sensitive and high-level correspondence.
• Recommends staffing and funding for division related activities.
• Recommends to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs procedures for Department communication activities.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field.

Experience:

• 7 years of experience in communications functions, including traditional media and social media. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent)
• Must have three (3) years managerial/supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies

• Policies and procedures used by the communications media and media relations.
• Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall business strategy/results; anticipating and adjusting for problems/roadblocks
• Comfortable using agency-approved Artificial Intelligence to refine communications across the state.
• Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines
• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Dealing courteously and effectively with the public
• Persuasion, negotiation, and communication of critical issues
• Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long-term deadlines
• Directing the development and implementation of policy and operating procedures
• Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

Position Information

Are you an experienced communications leader ready to guide a multi-faceted team and help set the public information agenda for a major state agency?

We are seeking a dynamic professional to direct our Communications Division and oversee our public efforts, spanning media relations, internal communications, and creative services production. As a key advisor to leadership, you will serve as a primary driving force behind our public awareness and engagement campaigns.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, you will have the opportunity to help shape policy, direct strategy, and collaborate extensively with high-level executives and governmental officials at the center of agency-wide initiatives.

About TxDOT

At TxDOT, our workforce of over 13,000 employees statewide is dedicated to the well‑being, safety, and quality of life for all Texans and the traveling public. We prioritize safety, project delivery, innovation and stewardship.

Benefits And Perks

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother‑Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work‑life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our Total Compensation Package website

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Job

Job: Travel/Public Information

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Manager

State Job Title/s

Deputy Director II

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes.

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.