Public Information Specialist Senior

City of Austin

1d • $33 - $41

About The Position

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. This communications position works with a variety of City departments as well as state, county, regional, and non-profit agencies to quickly disseminate accurate information during emergency situations. Additionally, this position focuses on developing and providing proactive education and outreach regarding emergency preparedness during non-emergency days. Key responsibilities include marketing, public relations, media relations, and publication of documents for internal and external audiences. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing official social media accounts.
• Experience writing press releases and media advisories.
• Experience planning and executing news conferences.
• Experience developing and implementing public education campaigns.
• Experience developing responses to media inquiries.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• May train and lead others.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level