Position InformationAre 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.
Position DescriptionManages 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.
Essential Duties:- 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.
- Serves as legislative liaison.
- 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.
Competencies: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
Ability to -
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
- Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
- Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Conditions of Employment:Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
