Responsibilities

• Communications Planning and Leadership - Develop and implement an organization-wide communications plan aligned with BVCOG priorities, program needs, and available resources. - Advise executive leadership and program managers on communications strategy, public messaging, media engagement, and outreach opportunities. - Establish an editorial calendar, publication standards, and review procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communications. - Publish routine, previously approved messaging (such as meeting notices, program announcements, and social media posts using approved content) without additional review; route media statements, sensitive matters, legislative items, and new or changed policy positions to the Executive and Deputy Director for approval. - Coordinate with the Deputy Director and program leadership to prioritize competing communications requests across programs.
• Public Information and Media Relations - Prepare and distribute approved news releases, media advisories, announcements, and responses to media inquiries. - Develop relationships with local and regional media outlets and coordinate interviews, speaking opportunities, and other public appearances. - Serve as a designated media contact when authorized; coordinate sensitive matters and official statements with executive leadership. - Assist leadership with crisis communications, service disruption notices, and emergency messaging in coordination with responsible program and emergency personnel.
• Writing Publications and Branding - Write, edit, and produce newsletters, annual reports, program summaries, brochures, presentations, speeches, and other informational materials. - Translate technical and program information into clear, concise language appropriate for public officials, partners, residents, and other audiences. - Gather and verify program accomplishments, service data, and participant stories with program staff before publication; obtain required approvals and permissions. - Maintain consistent use of BVCOG branding, logos, templates, and messaging across print and digital materials. - Ensure materials for grant-funded programs include required funding-source acknowledgments and disclaimers. - Coordinate translated or alternate-language versions of key materials, including Spanish, to support language access and Title VI compliance.
• Website Social Media and Digital Communications - Oversee content for BVCOG websites and social media accounts, working with program staff and Information Technology to keep information current, accurate, and useful. - Develop and publish digital content, including email communications, photographs, graphics, and short videos that explain services and highlight regional impact. - Monitor public questions and comments, coordinate responses with appropriate staff, and apply approved moderation and escalation procedures. - Use accessible document and digital content practices, including descriptive links, alternative text, captions, and readable formatting. - Monitor website, social media, and email performance; report results and recommend improvements to outreach and engagement.
• Program Outreach and Regional Coordination - Work with program managers to identify audiences, outreach needs, referral opportunities, and communications priorities across BVCOG programs. - Provide communications support for BVCOG programs, services, and initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding of their regional impact. - Coordinate with member governments, elected officials, community organizations, and regional partners to share service information and organizational accomplishments. - Prepare approved briefing materials and regional impact summaries for leadership, board members, and public officials; coordinate informational legislative communications as directed by executive leadership, excluding lobbying or advocacy using public funds.
• Events and Internal Communication - Coordinate communications, publicity, and assigned planning activities for the BVCOG annual meeting, workshops, public meetings, and other organizational events. - Prepare event invitations, programs, presentation materials, signage, and follow-up communications in collaboration with responsible staff. - Support board and advisory committee communications through accurate summaries and presentation assistance, coordinating with staff responsible for agendas and official records. - Facilitate timely internal communications about organizational initiatives, program achievements, and approved operational updates.
• Document Management and Information Coordination - Maintain organized electronic files for approved publications, photographs, videos, templates, media contacts, and communications project records. - Apply established naming conventions, version control, access restrictions, and retention procedures. - Protect confidential client, employee, and organizational information; verify authorization and consent before releasing information or using images and testimonials. - Assist designated staff with Texas Public Information Act requests, public notices under the Texas Open Meetings Act, and meeting-related communications under BVCOG procedures; coordinate questions concerning disclosure and required approvals with leadership and legal counsel as appropriate.
• Administrative Support and Resource Management - Develop communications budget recommendations and monitor approved expenditures for printing, advertising, digital services, events, and other assigned activities. - Coordinate vendors and service providers in accordance with BVCOG purchasing procedures; review deliverables for quality, accuracy, and timely completion. - Maintain project schedules and provide progress reports that identify completed work, upcoming priorities, performance results, and resource needs.
• Customer Service and Teamwork - Provide courteous, professional, and responsive assistance to member governments, residents, community partners, media representatives, BVCOG personnel, and the public. - Collaborate with BVCOG staff to support organizational goals and coordinate communications that accurately represent each program. - Provide practical guidance to staff on writing, presentation preparation, branding, and approved communications tools.
• General Responsibilities - Follow BVCOG policies, maintain dependable attendance, and demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the organization’s mission and values. - Must complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training each year as part of this position. Maintain knowledge of communications practices, technology, and public-sector outreach. - Travel within the region and occasionally outside the region; attend evening or weekend events as required. - Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field, with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, marketing, or public relations. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Experience directing communications projects is required. Government, nonprofit, or regional organization experience is preferred; supervisory experience is preferred when staff supervision is assigned. Crisis or emergency communications experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) ability are preferred.

Preferred

• Government, nonprofit, or regional organization experience is preferred
• Supervisory experience is preferred
• Crisis or emergency communications experience is preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability is preferred