Service, Respect, and Connection are core to the individual and collective TRS experience. We know that great service rests on a foundation of relationships that connect us all to an empowering and rewarding career. At TRS, we’re inspired by our diverse community who bring authenticity and commitment to our mission to improve the retirement security of public education employees and retirees throughout Texas. As a group of achievers, we tap collaboration and innovation to raise the bar in performance, administering and counseling pensions and healthcare benefits to ensure certainty for the future of our members. We invite you to join us, where both personal and career growth are respected, and where you can make a difference in our members’ lives every day.The Director or Senior Director of Communications is responsible for leading the strategic communications and outreach efforts for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). The incumbent will provide strategic and operational direction and oversight to the agency’s communications functions, manage media relations, coordinate board and external communications, and develop effective communication and message strategies to support the agency’s strategic plan and serve TRS members. This position will proactively work with the TRS Board of Trustees, members of TRS executive and leadership team, and agency employees.This position will be posted at two levels and the selected applicant will be offered the level that aligns with their education and experience.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Strategic Communications
• Develops and implements a strategic communications plan to develop content and messaging consistent with the needs of TRS.
• Provides leadership and guidance to executive management in the handling of routine and challenging agency communications issues.
• Provides guidance and advice to leadership on media relations issues.
• In partnership with executive management, serves as the media contact for general inquiries, news releases, and special announcements.
• Collaborates with executive management to design and develop content, messaging, and social media strategies.
• Reviews proposed legislation affecting agency programs to ensure effective communication to implement enacted legislation that affects agency programs, members, and employees.
• Works closely with executives and divisions to proactively gather information about critical topics and priorities and develops communication content based on this information.
Operations
• Plans, organizes, and directs all activities and operations of the Communications department, including, newsletter production, website maintenance, graphics and video production, media (press) relations, TRS’ social media program, and design and production of brochures, manuals, forms, reports, and other publications.
• Directs Communications staff, including hiring, directing, monitoring, evaluating, and motivating staff.• Oversees the development and maintenance of the TRS website.
• Promotes and upholds the agency core values of customer satisfaction, collaboration/teamwork, accountability, respect, ethics, excellence, and employee fulfillment.• Develops and implements communications related policies, procedures, processes, and systems.• Plans, prepares, maintains, and monitors the department budget, including the administration of contracts for Communication related services.
Board and External Communications
• Oversees, in conjunction with executive management and Legal Services, responses to public information requests by the press and the public.
• Develops and implements communication strategies to achieve objectives related to media outreach, speaking engagements, and social media reach and engagement.
• Manages all external communication vehicles and channels, including social media accounts on behalf of TRS.
• Coordinates the review, revision, and approval of agency correspondence to the public, members, and employees.
• Collaborates with executive management to lead the design of content for town hall meetings and other member communication.
• Serves as a representative and spokesperson for TRS in matters related to media relations.
• Serves as a resource to executive management in conducting an effective board election processes.
Performs related work as assigned.
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