Northwest Texas Communications Director

Texas Department of Transportation; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plans

Alternative and/or Flexible Work Sched

Paid Leave and Holidays

Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-

On-the-Job Training

Tuition Assistance Program

Holistic Wellness Program with Leave

Career Development and Advancement Op

Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation in Fort Worth, TX is seeking a Northwest Texas Communications Director to lead a team of public information professionals and tell the TxDOT story. The PIO Section Director oversees seven districts, crisis communications, internal and external messaging, and serves as an advisor to TxDOT leadership.

The role requires strategic leadership, staff development, budgeting, media relations, and coordination of high-profile events across the region.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, or related field.
• 5 years public relations, communications, or related experience.
• Must have two (2) years supervisory/managerial experience.
• Graduate education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seven TxDOT districts in Northwest Texas, from Amarillo to Fort Worth.
• Oversee crisis communications and messaging strategy for the region.
• Advise TxDOT leadership and serve as district spokesperson to media.
• Direct staff, budgeting, and long-range planning for the section.
• Coordinate with media, events, and VIP visits across districts.

Skills

Public speaking

Research methods

Public relations

Budgeting

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/English/Public Relations

Tools

Audio-visual equipment

Photography equipment

Computers/ software

Job description

Northwest Texas Communications Director (2602782)

Job Description

Position Information

Are you ready to lead a team of talented communications professionals who tell the TxDOT story every day? The PIO Section Director oversees public information officers across seven TxDOT districts in Northwest Texas, from Amarillo to Fort Worth, and all districts in between. The section director manages crisis communications, internal and external messaging while also serving as advisor to TxDOT leadership.

Minimum Salary

101,860.00

Maximum Salary

172,272.00

Pay Basis

Yearly FLSA Status : Exempt

Work Locations

Ft Worth District Headquarters 2501 SOUTHWEST LOOP 820 Fort Worth 76133

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Shift

Day Job Shift Details : 40

Location Flexibility

Onsite Location Flexibility Details : Position follows department statewide telework policies

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 website at: Total Compensation Package

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

Manages the daily operations for a Public Information Office by overseeing the activities of administrative, technical and/or professional employees. Oversees communications support for multiple districts and serves as a director of the PIOs serving those districts. Can serve as a district’s spokesperson to the public and the media on a variety of sensitive and complex issues. Serves as the district liaison to the print and broadcast media and the public. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

• Directs and supervises the activities of professional, technical and administrative staff and monitors and enhances their professional and technical training and development.
• Develops goals for the section and manages the planning activities, resources and work priorities required to meet those goals.
• Directs the daily operations of the section including mid- and long-range planning and budgeting, works with districts in the section to ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures.
• Organizes and coordinates special activities, such as road opening ceremonies or VIP visits.
• Responsible for staff development through coaching, counseling, providing input on performance evaluations and training needs.
• Develops and monitors budget.
• Travels throughout the district or to geographically separated section offices to make personal contacts.
• Writes speeches.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, or related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• 5 years public relations, communications, or related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
• Must have two (2) years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Extensive knowledge of

• Policies and procedures used by the communications media
• Budgeting methods and procedures

Expert skill in

• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external

Proficient skill in

• The use of audio-visual equipment
• The use of photographic equipment
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Other Attributes

• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve products or services; is self-starting and completes assignments independently without constant supervision

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

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.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

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.