TWDB - 26-103: Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist II-III)

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Salary Ranges:

• Program Specialist II - $3,793.42/month - $4,450.00/month***
• Program Specialist III - $4,500.00/month - $5,178.00/month***

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

Performs moderately complex to complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves the coordinating and facilitating marketing and outreach of Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) programs to various types of entities, including but not limited to local communities, cities, counties, districts, authorities and water supply corporations. Serves as a liaison between external stakeholders and the TWDB. Communicates directly with internal and external stakeholders, including other state or federal agency personnel, the general public, and elected and appointed officials. Represents the Board and its programs to a myriad of stakeholders, including citizen groups, professional associations, consulting firms, and other governmental entities. Participates in financial assistance workshops. Conducts public and professional presentations. Creates content for distribution through the agency’s social media accounts. Collaborates with Communications Office on advertising the agency’s financial assistance programs. Participates in special projects or programs as assigned by the Outreach Team Lead or Director of the Program Administration and Reporting (PAR) Division. May train others. Works under general supervision, with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of Program Administration and Reporting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Builds and maintains relationships with existing clients, local partners, governmental agencies, and professional organizations in support of water, wastewater, flood, and related infrastructure projects, while promoting the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and its financial assistance programs.
• Acts as the TWDB liaison, coordinating with various entities and marketing programs and projects. 
• Represents the agency at local events, including program information meetings, to foster community engagement and awareness.
• Delivers presentations to various stakeholders, providing detailed information about TWDB programs and initiatives.
• Assists in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan to promote TWDB programs effectively.
• Develops outreach initiatives and materials in coordination with the Communications office, implementing strategies to achieve successful program outcomes.
• Works with Program Administration, Regional Water Project Development, and Government Relations to plan, develop, implement, analyze, and document programs or projects.
• Ensures timely dissemination of information to Regional Water Project Development, providing leads for potential projects. 
• Assists Team Managers in project development and offers technical assistance to potential funding candidates. Monitors projects and communicates status or issues to relevant TWDB staff.
• Assists entities in applying for financial assistance, including using the TWDB Online Loan Application, and ensures they meet obligations related to receiving financial assistance.
• Oversees email inboxes and social media accounts, responding to public requests for information and promoting the agency’s financial assistance programs.
• Oversee the organization and maintenance of documentation and records of contacts, relevant activities, and actions.
• Writes reports, memoranda, and letters related to work activities, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Utilizes and maintains various databases, assisting other departments in developing or enhancing these databases.
• Complies with agency operating procedures, policies, and state statutes in the efficient execution of official travel and other assigned duties.
• Adheres to established policies governing the use of vehicles and other agency property.
• Engage in supervisor-approved career development activities, including setting employee goals and identifying job-related training opportunities.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.  
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
• Work Experience:
  • Program Specialist II: One year of relevant work experience working as a technical assistance provider or consultant assisting organizations in the state or public sector.
  • Program Specialist III: Two or more years of relevant work experience working as a technical assistance provider or consultant assisting organizations in the state public sector.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of experience working in the field of infrastructure project financing and oversight.
• Certifications or documented years of experience developing presentations or other visual media.
• Certifications or documented years of experience managing social media for a public sector organization.
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, GoTo Meeting, or any other presentation applications.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Forms.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Water Supply and Infrastructure Office of the TWDB.  
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of public finance, public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of training and marketing techniques.  
• Knowledge of program management processes and techniques.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.  
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.  
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.  
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.  
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.  
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.  
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to all stakeholders both verbally and in writing.  
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 75% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to organize and plan workloads.
• Ability to apply initiative and decision making in a professional capacity with minimal supervision.

REMARKS

• A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
• Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

• Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

• Reference checks will be conducted on top candidate for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

• All interviewed candidates must complete the HR-101 - Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA-48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

JOB LOCATION

• Candidate must be able to report to and work from the noted work location and comply with the agency’s Return to Office (RTO) requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

• Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS

• An evaluation of your coursework must be uploaded if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, you will not receive credit for degree progress and completion.

SPONSORSHIP

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

• Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

• TWDB participates in E-Verify!  Information from each new employee’s Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

• Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at- will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

• The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 475-2142