Public Information Specialist

City of Austin

6d•$30 - $37

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information (written and oral) to the general public, City employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or City wide 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.
Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.
Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple projects 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; OR Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information

Nice To Haves

Experience writing content and adjusting tone and style for a variety of marketing materials and other communication tactics.
Experience leading communication and marketing campaigns aimed at reaching diverse audiences.
Experience writing press releases, responding to media inquiries, compiling talking points and/or written responses, and coordinating interviews.
Proficiency in Spanish or a secondary language other than English.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

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.
Performs public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
Assists in the planning and development of advertising, promotional campaigns, strategies.
Provides event coordination services, such as arranging facilities, contacting media, inviting all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
Designs, researches, writes, and edits newsletters; releases for internal or external use.
Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites.
Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
Designs and maintains databases, such as mailing lists, association and organization lists, etc.
Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public.
Serves as liaison for media and general public.
Conducts training of personnel regarding how to communicate with the media, train external media on departments' media standard operating procedures.