Communications Manager

POSITION PURPOSE:

Directs and implements the communications, public information, and outreach activities of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG). Promotes awareness of BVCOG programs, services, and regional accomplishments among member governments, community partners, residents, and other stakeholders throughout the seven-county Brazos Valley region. Works with executive leadership and program managers to communicate accurate, accessible information, strengthen public understanding, and support organizational priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Communications Planning and Leadership

1. Develop and implement an organization-wide communications plan aligned with BVCOG priorities, program needs, and available resources.
2. Advise executive leadership and program managers on communications strategy, public messaging, media engagement, and outreach opportunities.
3. Establish an editorial calendar, publication standards, and review procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communications.
4. 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.
5. Coordinate with the Deputy Director and program leadership to prioritize competing communications requests across programs.

Public Information and Media Relations

1. Prepare and distribute approved news releases, media advisories, announcements, and responses to media inquiries.
2. Develop relationships with local and regional media outlets and coordinate interviews, speaking opportunities, and other public appearances.
3. Serve as a designated media contact when authorized; coordinate sensitive matters and official statements with executive leadership.
4. Assist leadership with crisis communications, service disruption notices, and emergency messaging in coordination with responsible program and emergency personnel.

Writing Publications and Branding

1. Write, edit, and produce newsletters, annual reports, program summaries, brochures, presentations, speeches, and other informational materials.
2. Translate technical and program information into clear, concise language appropriate for public officials, partners, residents, and other audiences.
3. Gather and verify program accomplishments, service data, and participant stories with program staff before publication; obtain required approvals and permissions.
4. Maintain consistent use of BVCOG branding, logos, templates, and messaging across print and digital materials.
5. Ensure materials for grant-funded programs include required funding-source acknowledgments and disclaimers.
6. 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

1. Oversee content for BVCOG websites and social media accounts, working with program staff and Information Technology to keep information current, accurate, and useful.
2. Develop and publish digital content, including email communications, photographs, graphics, and short videos that explain services and highlight regional impact.
3. Monitor public questions and comments, coordinate responses with appropriate staff, and apply approved moderation and escalation procedures.
4. Use accessible document and digital content practices, including descriptive links, alternative text, captions, and readable formatting.
5. Monitor website, social media, and email performance; report results and recommend improvements to outreach and engagement.

Program Outreach and Regional Coordination

1. Work with program managers to identify audiences, outreach needs, referral opportunities, and communications priorities across BVCOG programs.
2. Provide communications support for BVCOG programs, services, and initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding of their regional impact.
3. Coordinate with member governments, elected officials, community organizations, and regional partners to share service information and organizational accomplishments.
4. 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

1. Coordinate communications, publicity, and assigned planning activities for the BVCOG annual meeting, workshops, public meetings, and other organizational events.
2. Prepare event invitations, programs, presentation materials, signage, and follow-up communications in collaboration with responsible staff.
3. Support board and advisory committee communications through accurate summaries and presentation assistance, coordinating with staff responsible for agendas and official records.
4. Facilitate timely internal communications about organizational initiatives, program achievements, and approved operational updates.

 Document Management and Information Coordination

1. Maintain organized electronic files for approved publications, photographs, videos, templates, media contacts, and communications project records.
2. Apply established naming conventions, version control, access restrictions, and retention procedures.
3. Protect confidential client, employee, and organizational information; verify authorization and consent before releasing information or using images and testimonials.
4. 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

1. Develop communications budget recommendations and monitor approved expenditures for printing, advertising, digital services, events, and other assigned activities.
2. Coordinate vendors and service providers in accordance with BVCOG purchasing procedures; review deliverables for quality, accuracy, and timely completion.
3. Maintain project schedules and provide progress reports that identify completed work, upcoming priorities, performance results, and resource needs.

Customer Service and Teamwork

1. Provide courteous, professional, and responsive assistance to member governments, residents, community partners, media representatives, BVCOG personnel, and the public.
2. Collaborate with BVCOG staff to support organizational goals and coordinate communications that accurately represent each program.
3. Provide practical guidance to staff on writing, presentation preparation, branding, and approved communications tools.

General Responsibilities

1. Follow BVCOG policies, maintain dependable attendance, and demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the organization’s mission and values.
2. 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.
3. Travel within the region and occasionally outside the region; attend evening or weekend events as required.
4. Perform other related duties as assigned.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

This position requires the employee to demonstrate the following behavioral competencies:

• Effective Communication: Produces clear, concise, accurate, and professional written, verbal, and audiovisual communications for internal and external audiences. Adapts technical information to the audience, listens attentively, and ensures relevant information reaches appropriate staff and stakeholders.
• Quality and Accuracy: Verifies facts, program information, and service data before publication. Reviews materials for clarity, grammar, consistency, accessibility, and appropriate branding. Incorporates feedback and corrects errors promptly.
• Responsiveness and Accountability: Sets high standards for BVCOG communications and responds promptly to staff, partners, media representatives, and the public. Establishes realistic priorities, meets deadlines, and follows assignments through completion. Communicates progress and delays, persists through obstacles, and accepts responsibility for the quality and results of communications activities.
• Decisiveness and Judgment: Makes timely, informed decisions about communications methods, content, and project priorities. Considers accuracy, confidentiality, audience needs, and potential effects on BVCOG’s reputation. Recognizes when sensitive matters require executive review or approval.
• Teamwork: Collaborates with executive leadership, program managers, and staff to coordinate communications across BVCOG. Respects differing perspectives, shares information and resources, welcomes constructive feedback, and contributes to organizational goals and a positive working environment.
• Problem Solving: Identifies communications gaps, evaluates the accuracy and relevance of information, and recommends practical solutions. Uses staff input, audience feedback, and performance data to improve outreach and public understanding.
• Flexibility: Adjusts communications plans and work priorities in response to changing program needs, emerging issues, and time-sensitive requests. Adopts useful technologies and approaches while maintaining established standards and approval procedures.
• Conflict Management: Resolves differences in messaging, priorities, and public responses constructively while maintaining professional relationships.
• Developing Others: Provides practical guidance and constructive feedback to program staff on writing, presentations, branding, and public communication. When supervisory responsibilities are assigned, coaches employees, establishes clear expectations, and supports their professional development.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated skill in writing, editing, proofreading, public speaking, and interpersonal communication, including the ability to present complex information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Knowledge of communications planning, media relations, branding, community outreach, and public-sector communications practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, website content management systems, social media platforms, email communications tools, and graphic design applications.
• Working knowledge of photography, video production, and audiovisual presentation development.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and complete assignments with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, verify information, safeguard confidential and sensitive information, and recognize matters requiring executive review or approval.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, member governments, BVCOG staff, community partners, media representatives, and diverse audiences.
• Ability to gather and interpret communications performance data and use findings to improve outreach, engagement, and public understanding of BVCOG programs and services.
• Knowledge of accessible communications practices and electronic document organization, version control, and records management.
• Ability to use artificial intelligence and other approved technology in accordance with BVCOG policies; safeguard confidential and sensitive information; and independently verify the accuracy, sources, and appropriateness of generated content before publication or distribution.

SUPERVISION:

Reports directly to the Deputy Director. Exercises a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making authority in planning, directing, and implementing BVCOG’s communications, public information, media relations, and outreach activities with limited direct supervision. Provides oversight of assigned communications staff, if applicable, and coordinates with program managers to support organizational priorities. Consults with the Executive and Deputy Director on sensitive matters, official public statements, and communications requiring executive approval.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily performed in an office with regular computer use and communication by telephone, video conference, and in person. Duties also involve travel and participation in meetings and events at off-site locations, with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions. Requires the ability to transport light event materials and communications equipment, generally up to 25 pounds. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Occasional out-of-town trips may be required to attend special events and training sessions

Work week is Monday through Friday during normal business-type hours (8am-5pm). Weekend hours may be required during special events or projects. Schedule adjustments for evening or weekend work are handled in accordance with BVCOG personnel policy.

ADA STATEMENT

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, BVCOG will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.

ETHICS

As a public agency, BVCOG is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty, to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.