Media Relations Specialist Public Utilities Communications

To apply for the position, it is best to go to the State of Texas Talent Management System to submit your application select our agency, Public Utility Commission of Texas:

State of Texas CAPPS Application System

The Public Utility Commission regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation and offering customer assistance in resolving customer complaints.

Join a Team Dedicated to Public Service
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of Texans? We are committed to building a highly skilled workforce. Our team boasts a wide range of expertise, from legal and engineering professionals to dedicated administrative staff. What unites us is our dedication to serving the public and our commitment to protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality utility infrastructure

Make a Difference with Us
We recognize the importance of motivated and knowledgeable staff to accomplish our critical mission. If you're eager to contribute to ensuring compliance within the electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, we want to hear from you! A career at the PUC will not only expand your professional horizons but also make you part of a highly motivated, technically skilled, and supportive team environment.

Competitive Benefits Package
In addition to a positive and family-friendly work culture, the PUC offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.

For a detailed overview, please visit

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Today!
DIVISION – EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT - COMMUNICATIONS
About External Affairs
The External Affairs Division serves as the PUCT's voice and primary connection to the public, stakeholders, and policymakers. Focused on transparency, education, and engagement, the division supports agency-wide priorities through strategic communication, outreach initiatives, and coordination with the Texas Legislature. Whether informing Texans about utility regulations or guiding industry stakeholders through compliance, External Affairs plays a critical role in advancing the Commission's mission.

Communications
Communications serve as the eyes, ears, and most importantly, the voice of the PUCT. Our top priority is educating and informing Texans about the duties, responsibilities, and actions of our agency. We do this daily in many ways, including the use of multiple social media channels, media engagement, website management, infographic and collateral materials creation, audio/video and photography production, persuasive writing, media and social media monitoring and other tools.

Filed documents include pleadings, testimony and briefs, affidavits, requests for information, rulemakings, registrations, tariffs, certificates of convenience and necessity, sale, transfer, and mergers, interconnection agreements, ADAD's, and annual reports. Adhering to PUC Procedural rules 22.71 and 22.72, staff reviews filings and evaluates documents for compliance with Federal and State Privacy Laws prior to Central Records processing. Central Records processes confidential materials, workshop and Open Meeting transcripts, and agency publications, and works with the Financial Resources division on billing and payments for registrations, copies, and publications.

Governmental Relations
Governmental Relations centralizes and facilitates the Commission’s communication with the Texas Legislature, Legislative Offices, constituents, and other agencies.

Office of Public Engagement
The Office of Public Engagement helps the public participate in all aspects of the PUCT’s work. The actions of the PUCT impact the safety and pocketbooks of Texans, but the work of the agency can be very technical and difficult to understand. The Office of Public Engagement serves as a resource to the public to explain PUCT processes and instruct Texans on how to participate in rulemakings, rate cases, hearings, and other important activities. The Office of Public Engagement also advises the Commission on how to make the PUCT more accessible to all Texans.

Utility Outreach
Utility Outreach provides water and sewer utilities with information on legislative updates and how to comply with rules and regulations and handle customer complaints.

Utility Outreach helps the Texas water and sewer utility industry navigate the rules and regulations that mark the path to compliance and commercial viability, providing information ranging from customer service best practices to service area and legislative updates.

Utility Outreach’s mission is to provide outreach and education to retail water and sewer public utilities to promote regulatory compliance, enhance cybersecurity and preservice their financial and managerial integrity.

Looking to take the next step in your career? Ready for a meaningful career in public service?
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has an opportunity for a motivated communications professional to help inform, educate, and engage Texans on issues that impact communities across the state.

The Communications Department is seeking a Media Relations Specialist , a position responsible for serving as an agency spokesperson; responding to media inquiries; developing news releases, media advisories, talking points, and other communication materials; building relationships with members of the media and key stakeholders; and collaborating with subject matter experts to communicate complex regulatory information in a clear, accurate, and timely manner.

If you’re a strategic communicator who enjoys building relationships, engaging with the media, and helping the public understand complex issues, we encourage you to apply and become part of our Communications team.

The ideal candidate should possess the following minimum qualifications. Applicants must meet all the required minimum qualifications to be considered for this position.

Information Specialist III
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;

A minimum of three years’ experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.

Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Information Specialist IV
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;

A minimum of four years’ experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.

Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Information Specialist V
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field;

A minimum of five years’ experience in journalism, media relations, communications, public affairs, or related field.

Additional related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact for an organization.

Experience developing news releases, media advisories, talking points, and other public communication materials.

Experience communicating complex technical, regulatory, or policy-related information to diverse audiences.

Experience working with state government, public utilities, or other regulated industries.

WORK SCHEDULE
The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests, including any form of telecommuting, is at management's discretion and based on the business needs of the agency and the requirements of the position.

Newly hired employees are required to complete a waiting period before becoming eligible to telecommute. After thirty (30) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to one (1) day per week. After ninety (90) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to two (2) days per week. Supervisors may require new hires to report to the office more frequently if necessary to support training, performance, or business needs.

A detailed job description can be viewed on our website:

https://puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Jobs

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