TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING

I. TITLE: Public Relations Specialist (Information Specialist IV)

II. DEFINITION: The Information Specialist is responsible for the development and dissemination of accurate, timely, and professional content for a variety of communication and media efforts for the Texas Board of Nursing. Under the direction of the Director of Nursing, the Information Specialists collects, creates, and proofs content for news, media relations, social media, publications, and reports for use by the agency, public, and other agencies. This position utilizes analytic reports to help provide data for strategic operations; assists with providing content for website updates through digital strategy and design; coordinates with agency Directors on content, media, and photo content when needed. Additionally, this position monitors media affecting the agency, nursing, or healthcare and manages media inquiries and collaborates to track and report governmental and legislative activities to inform agency work. The Information Specialist works under limited direction, with latitude for the use of exercising initiative and independent judgement.

III. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE AGENCY: Responsible to the Director of Nursing; Assists with establishing a culture of teamwork, collaboration and support within the Nursing Department. Contributes to agency goals and objectives and adheres to agency ethics and personnel policies.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree and major course work in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, graphic or media design, communications or a related field.

Experience

Experience in journalism, public relations, public information, communications, media relations, information systems, informatics, or social media work.

Experience with various technology and software programs used in media and publication work such as Office 365 products, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite including Acrobat DC, Photoshop, Lightroom, or other similar editing and media software products.

Familiarity with state government structure, legislation, and process.

Familiarity with health care issues and terminology is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures.

Broad knowledge in news and communication media; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.

Skill in editorial and design practices, including information collection and publishing media and reports for public distribution.

Proficiency in Microsoft 365/Office software, editing software (content, video, photo), social media platforms, and digital camera/video operation.

Strong collaboration skills to interface with public, media, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Effective professional written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple tasks, handle sensitive information, and deliver timely products or information as directed.

Advanced knowledge of computers, audio-video, and digital technology and information security practices.

Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence principles.

Knowledge of state governmental structure and legislative activities.

Professional Development

Recognized as possessing the personal and professional integrity that is necessary to maintain the respect of state officials, professional colleagues, and the general public.

Recognized as possessing the ethical standards required of state employees.

Recognized as able to use sound judgment, consider issues with objectivity, apply standards for decision-making with consistency, and as being honest.

Recognized as able to use appropriate grooming, manner, and conduct as adjuncts to effective communication with others.

Recognized as displaying accountability for own professional actions and development with the potential to develop a deep sense of responsibility for the professional aspects of state board work.

V. FUNCTIONS

In collaboration with the Executive Director, Board Members, Department Directors and Consultants, develop, produce, and disseminate agency publications including but not limited to:

• Quarterly newsletter (Bulletin)
• Newsletter Committee
• Annual BON report, Strategic Plans, and Legislative reports
• Agency directory and profiles

Coordinate and prepare illustrative, photographic, audiovisual, or digital content of agency communication products including:

• Informative or educational brochures, letterheads, reports, publications
• digital media and graphics, slide decks, website content, historical media
• training packages, promotional or educational flyers or videos,
• press releases, campaign releases and other publications as directed.

Collect, analyze, and report data including:

Design questionnaires, conduct surveys, and analyze data to prepare reports

Conduct studies and prepare reports for special projects as needed

Analyze reports on social media activities and effectiveness

Create marketing strategies and cost benefit proposals

Develop strategies and tools to improve social media presence

Coordination of local, state, and national legislative and regulatory updates and issues:

Organize, track, and report legislation and bill analysis

Collaborate to update Rules and Regulations in response to information on the Texas Register

Identify appropriate content in news releases and other public media to distribute to staff to keep updated on issues, trends, or concerns affecting nursing or healthcare

Enhance agency's interaction with constituents through communications and disseminated publications:

Respond to information or media inquiries about agency activities, coordinate information releases with Executive Director, Board Members, and other professional staff

Assist with workshops, webinars, committee meetings, and other public engagements as needed

Assist with purchase requests or quotes related to subscriptions, media or technology items, and other communication related needs as directed

Provide input on policies and procedures related to communications and information as appropriate

Participate in Board meetings and other meetings as assigned

Prepare exhibits for hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings

Perform related work as assigned

Contribute to agency goals and objectives

Adheres to Agency Ethics and Human Resource Policies

VI. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Must be willing to travel within the State of Texas

Refer to personnel policies for other conditions of employment

This position is not exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act

The Texas Board of Nursing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or status as an individual with a disability or protected veteran in its hiring and recruitment process. Veterans' and former foster youth employment preferences are granted as required by law. The Texas Board of Nursing participates in E-Verify, and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

MILITARY CROSSWALK:

ARMY: 46S, 46Z Officer: 46A

NAVY: MC Officer: 165X

COAST GUARD: PA Officer: INF, SEI13

MARINE CORPS: 4511, 4512, 4591 Officer: 4502, 4503, 4505, 8055

AIR FORCE: 3N0X6 Officer: 35PX

SPACE FORCE: No enlisted military equivalent Officer: No military equivalent

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree and major course work in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, graphic or media design, communications or a related field.

Experience

Experience in journalism, public relations, public information, communications, media relations, information systems, informatics, or social media work.

Experience with various technology and software programs used in media and publication work such as Office 365 products, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite including Acrobat DC, Photoshop, Lightroom, or other similar editing and media software products.

Familiarity with state government structure, legislation, and process.

Familiarity with health care issues and terminology is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures.

Broad knowledge in news and communication media; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.

Skill in editorial and design practices, including information collection and publishing media and reports for public distribution.

Proficiency in Microsoft 365/Office software, editing software (content, video, photo), social media platforms, and digital camera/video operation.

Strong collaboration skills to interface with public, media, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Effective professional written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple tasks, handle sensitive information, and deliver timely products or information as directed.

Advanced knowledge of computers, audio-video, and digital technology and information security practices.

Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence principles.

Knowledge of state governmental structure and legislative activities.