Communications Specialist III

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist III

🔹 Company: Texas Association of Counties

🔹 Location: Austin, TX

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (In Office, Teleworking)

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies
• Overseeing various communication projects
• Serving as a communications liaison to internal departments
• Managing media assets and digital marketing efforts
• Actively managing assigned client accounts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and professionalism, as the incumbent will represent TAC in significant contacts with elected officials and members.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational goals

✅ Oversees various communications projects from development of strategy to measurements of results

✅ Serves as communications liaison to at least one Texas Association of Counties’ internal department and oversees a communications department media asset (podcast, magazine, etc.)

✅ Creates content for publications, promotional materials, website, social media, and other digital platforms

✅ Writes, copyedits, proofreads, and revises communications content as necessary

✅ Identifies assigned client requirements, serves as liaison to facilitate project management and compliance with project needs

✅ Understands the mission of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and ensures that it is accurately portrayed throughout materials

✅ Performs other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional service as a Communications liaison on a TAC committee.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field required. Six to eight years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Experience: Minimum 10 years’ experience in a communications-related field, including journalism, media, publications, public relations, or marketing.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficient in AP style
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Proficiency with creating content for digital channels (podcast, social media, website) preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing client relationships
• Knowledge of email marketing services and content management systems preferred
• Position requires a high degree of professionalism in representing TAC in significant contacts with elected officials and members
• Must function independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent time management and record keeping required
• Current Texas driver’s license with good driving record required; must be able to drive

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in additional relevant software or platforms
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional relevant certifications or training may be preferred but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Occasional weekend, night, or on-call work may be required. Some travel is required.

ASSUMPTION: Benefits information is based on industry standards for non-profit organizations of this size. Actual benefits may vary and should be confirmed with the employer.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on county government representation and support

Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth

Founded: 1969, with a rich history of serving Texas counties and county officials

Company Description:

• Represents and promotes the value of county government statewide
• Provides services to Texas counties and county officials
• Communicates the county perspective to state officials and citizens of Texas

Company Specialties:

• County government representation
• Communication services and support
• Professional development and training for county officials

Company Website: http://www.county.org

ASSUMPTION: The Texas Association of Counties is a well-established organization with a clear mission and a strong presence in the non-profit sector.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Experienced professional with a focus on strategic communication and project management

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Communications Director and may oversee junior communications staff or interns

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a combination of in-office and teleworking arrangements. Occasional travel is required.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior communications role or management position
• Expansion of responsibilities based on organizational needs and individual performance
• Professional development opportunities through workshops, conferences, and training programs

ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities are dependent on individual performance, organizational needs, and the availability of suitable positions.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a combination of in-office and remote work arrangements

Office Location(s): 1210 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78701, US

Geographic Context:

• Austin, TX is the state capital and the fourth-most populous city in Texas
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, a strong job market, and a high quality of life
• Austin is known for its music, tech industry, and outdoor activities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for a combination of in-office and remote work

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is subject to change based on organizational needs, and applicants should be prepared for occasional adjustments to their work arrangement.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with key stakeholders
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and writing samples
• Project management and organizational skills
• Understanding of the non-profit sector and county government
• Cultural fit and alignment with the TAC Way

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Provide writing samples that demonstrate your communication skills and versatility
• Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organization

ATS Keywords: communications strategy, project management, client relationship, digital marketing, AP style, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, content creation, copyediting, proofreading, county government, non-profit organizations

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary based on the volume of applicants and organizational needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Content management systems (CMS) and email marketing services
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary based on the incumbent's role and responsibilities.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Trust
• Integrity
• Service

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on achieving organizational goals

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate trust and integrity in your professional relationships?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional service to a client or colleague?
• How do you adapt to changes in your work environment, and how do you prioritize your workload to achieve desired outcomes?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is a critical factor in the hiring process, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the TAC Way.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to changes in organizational priorities and work arrangements
• Representing TAC professionally in significant contacts with elected officials and members
• Occasional travel and weekend work requirements

ASSUMPTION: Potential challenges are subject to change based on organizational needs and individual performance.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles, this position requires a higher level of experience and independence
• This role is unique in its focus on county government representation and support within the non-profit sector
• Career progression may include advancement to senior communications roles or management positions within the organization

ASSUMPTION: Role comparisons are based on industry standards and may vary based on individual organizations and their specific needs.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for a major county initiative
• Managing the production of a quarterly magazine, including content creation, editing, and design
• Overseeing the launch and management of a county-wide podcast, including guest booking, recording, and promotion

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects are based on the incumbent's role and responsibilities and may vary based on organizational needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for this role and how it fits into the broader communications department?
• How does this role contribute to the overall mission and goals of the Texas Association of Counties?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the organization?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the county government, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Interview questions should be tailored to the specific role and organization, and applicants should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, including specific examples of your communication skills and project management abilities
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable, that demonstrate your versatility and creativity in communication and content creation
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.