RRC - Director of Public Affairs

Director of Public Affairs

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry; and surface mining operations. To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year Telework options for eligible positions Flexible work schedules Retirement pension with a 150% agency match – you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit 401(k), 457(b) and Roth Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees Tuition Reimbursement Wellness and Exercise Leave Career development programs/opportunities for advancement For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at

The Railroad Commission Director of Public Affairs performs highly advanced, senior-level managerial work, providing direction and guidance on strategic operations and planning for internal and external communications, public engagement, outreach, and educational work. Primary work involves establishing a strategic plan for internal and external communications, along with goals and objectives, to effectively communicate the Commission's duties, responsibilities, and activities to the public and stakeholders in a proactive, creative manner. Work also involves directing and evaluating the research, writing, editing, branding, graphic design, and audio/visual production of informational programs, agency websites, social media channels, and materials for release to news media and for use by the agency, the public, and other agencies. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Manage the agency's crisis communications when necessary. Works as a member of the executive team under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the Commission's Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director. Please note: All applicants are required to attach a media/communications-related writing sample.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field. Minimum of 10 years of progressively increasing responsibility in media relations (e.g., print/broadcast journalism, public relations, or communications) and public communications. Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing a public relations team. Demonstrated experience as a media spokesperson. Demonstrated experience in social media engagement. Demonstrated experience in strategic communication planning and messaging. Demonstrated experience in the writing and publication of speeches, op-eds, news releases, memos, white papers, fact sheets, brochures, and related materials. Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis. Years of experience may run concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in the Texas state government. Knowledge of the Texas legislative process. Experience working for an elected official as a spokesperson or in a senior media relations role. Experience in communications, public engagement, journalism, or media. Experience working for a public relations and/or public affairs firm. Experience in reputation and issues management. Experience working in the oil and gas industry.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or in the provision of services. The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.