Health Disparities Communications Specialist

Under the general direction of the Communication Director of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Director of Public Health Policy, the Information Specialist (Health Disparities Communications Specialist) performs senior, highly-advanced communications-related work to build the DSHS brand and increase public and stakeholder knowledge and awareness of public health issues, including work on health disparities. In collaboration with DSHS programs work involves planning, developing, and implementing communication strategies and content aimed at internal and external audiences. The role requires strategic thinking, excellent interpersonal skills and ease with executives, high emotional intelligence, and exceptional writing/content development skills. The Health Disparities Communications Specialist oversees the preparation and distribution of project-specific publications and public relations, news, and informational releases, talking points and scripts, fact sheets, and content for Web sites and social media. Work will involve effective research, writing, editing, and production in a wide variety of formats, including social media, print, or digital media. Work will include development of measurement strategies to assess the outcome of communications plans and programs. The position works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. As part of agency emergency response, will be required to work extended or alternate hours during a public health emergency.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(40%) Provides or coordinates consultative services to program staff regarding public information, public relations and communication strategies for agency initiatives, marketing campaigns, stakeholder communications and outreach, trainings, conferences, and other communications-driven initiatives. Will provide project management and execution of these strategies through the oversight or development of communications strategies, creative direction and written content. Serve as liaison between programs, Communication Unit, and the Office of Public Health Policy. Consults with programs on public awareness, outreach, or marketing campaigns to help provide consistent messaging. Will lead other marketing initiatives depending on the subject matter. Provide additional trainings on communications-related subjects as needed.

(30%) Oversees the preparation and distribution of program-specific publications and public relations, news, and informational releases, talking points and scripts fact sheets, and content for Web sites and social media. Works with DSHS leadership to coordinate messaging on initiatives related to health education and health promotion. Coordinates identified opportunities with Directors and program leads to develop and execute communication plans as needed.

(15%) Provides support for other programmatic and Communication Unit functions and activities such as online/interactive/social/emerging media communications, marketing research, social marketing, and internal communications. Coordinates with and supports the DSHS Media Relations and Government Affairs units as needed. Coordinates with HHSC Language Services to ensure all communications products are translated into the necessary languages so that people with limited English proficiency have access to services.

(10%) Responsible for working in collaboration with DSHS web services to ensure posted external, and some internal employee-related, information is timely, accurate, relevant, and informative. Contributes to the development of internal communications departmental processes and standards.

(5%) Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Advanced, senior-level knowledge of communication strategies and best practices such as: Branding and marketing principles (how those principles apply to public agencies, audiences both internal and external, and how to build trust with all stakeholders through branding efforts); extensive facilitation experience, specifically with small groups, working in often challenging environments with audiences of different and often competing interests.

Advanced senior-level communication project management knowledge

Knowledge of English grammar and usage, general professional writing principles and standards.

Knowledge of stakeholder, partner, and community relations.

Knowledge of all types of media and their material requirements, as related to information dissemination via the Web.

Knowledge of libel, slander, privacy, and copyright laws.

Knowledge of health disparities, social determinants of health, and health equity.

Skill in organizing, writing, communicating, and presenting information.

Skill in training related to brand guidelines and Plain Language to reach all audience types.

Skill in strategic communication planning.

Skill in written and oral communication.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities and projects.

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Skill in developing collaborative working relationships with diverse cross-functional groups.

Excellent analytic and decision-making abilities.

Senior-level communication project management ability.

Ability to accurately interpret and translate agency programs and research into public information.

Ability to track numerous projects at different development stages from conceptualization to final product.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other government officials and the public.

Ability to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, clients in senior-level meetings, and conduct presentations to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization and influence others to move toward a common vision or goal.

Ability to speak to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for programs.

Ability to perceive and understand emotions around change and how change can affect people in order to meet established goals.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None required

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Five years+ of experience in public health or governmental communications and/or related field.

2. Demonstrated knowledge and work experience related to health disparities, public health, or public policy.

3. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in communications or a related field.

Additional Information:
Requisition #540529

Candidates invited to interview will be required to:

Prepare short written brief (or PowerPoint deck) and come prepared to speak to how DSHS, utilizing communication strategies, can help improve health outcomes for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and chronic disease. The State is working to leverage resources, expertise and trust in target communities to co-create innovative solutions to reduce health disparities and build sustainable cross-sector relationships.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

This position has the ability to telework up to 20% but will be required to come into the office location on an as needed basis. Selected applicants must have the ability to provide personal home internet service and must also have a home office location free from distractions that will provide the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.

Applicants must complete the required assessment associated with this job posting to be considered for this position.

Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise.

This position may require travel up to 35% of the time.

This position may require hours outside of the normal 8:00am to 5:00pm work schedule.

This is a temporary grant-funded position and expected to last more than two years. Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include but are not limited to: NAP11, 4EOX1, 43HX All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/compensation/jobdescriptions.aspx

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