Public Information Specialist Senior

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At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist Senior

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information to the general public, City employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or Citywide programs. These duties may contribute to any or all of the following areas: marketing, public relations, media relations, and publication of documents for internal and external education and communication.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Primary responsibility for larger individual projects or act as an account representative for client departments and programs.
  
• Develops long-range strategic plans.
  
• Writes plans, organizes, directs, coordinates and edits articles for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publication.
  
• Coordinates all aspects of production of marketing materials.
  
• Performs media relations duties to include: media buying, news releases, and fielding questions from media.
  
• Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
  
• Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
  
• Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May train and lead others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations programs.
  
• Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.
  
• Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.
  
• Ability to write articles for publication.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to lead and train others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field plus four (4) years of progressive experience in developing and implementing programs of public information, one (1) of which was in a team leader/coordinator capacity.
  
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrates ability to understand and communicate complex, technical information through the development and implementation of effective and equitable communication strategies.
  
• Experience implementing emergency communication plans, including an understanding of National Incident Management System principles.
  
• Experience working with media, including coordinating news conferences, responding to media inquiries and preparing staff for interviews.
  
• Experience writing and editing press releases, memos, external and internal communications, articles, and social media posts.
  
• Experience writing and maintaining accessible web content.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Notes To Candidate

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:
Please learn more about our department and how we serve our community: What does the Watershed Protection Department do?

Position Overview:

The Public Information Specialist Senior position will play a lead role in communications for Capital Improvement Projects to address flooding, erosion and water pollution. This position works with technical and scientific information and write engaging content at a middle school level. They will also plan and implement communication strategies for various educational and marketing campaigns. They will assist with media relations, content management for the department website, emergency communications and internal communications. This position will serve in a leadership capacity working with team members to set communication objectives, strategies and timelines and is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely information in accordance with Austin's brand guidance.

Location:

505 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas 78704

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with the ability for a 60% telework schedule per week after initial training period. Exceptions may apply subject to the business needs of the department.

May require working outside of normal business hours, including emergency events, evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs.

Salary Range:

$32.96 - $41.20, depending on qualifications and experience.

EDUCATION:
Verification of education will be conducted on the top candidate.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:
Job Offer is contingent on passing a Criminal Background Investigation.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Please include three writing samples such as a news release, article, letter, social media post, flyer or similar item.

• Submit your three writing samples under “Attachments” in the Required Applicant documents section of the application.
• Applications missing these required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be considered.

TRAVEL:

If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

BENEFITS:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click here for more information.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):
When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:
Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.

• A resume and cover letter is required. The resume does not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
  
• Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
  
• Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.
  
• See instructions for ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-06

• 

• City of Austin

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