Temporary Public Information Specialist

City of Austin • Austin, TX

8h • $27 - $33 • Hybrid

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. 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 Purpose: 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. Notes to Candidate: POSITION OVERVIEW: The Public Information Specialist will provide critical support for major initiatives, including the City's website transition, digital ADA compliance, and digital content development. This position ensures timely delivery of public-facing information, compliance with accessibility standards and federal law, and effective engagement with Austin's diverse communities. Key responsibilities include: Assist with content migration and quality assurance during the website transition. Review, edit, and publish digital content to ensure ADA compliance according to Texas state law. Develop and implement digital content strategies. Develop and update intranet and internet web sites. Monitor compliance with state law and City communication policies. Collaborate with internal teams to meet project deadlines. Track and report progress on communication deliverables for major initiatives.

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.

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.
• Assist with content migration and quality assurance during the website transition.
• Review, edit, and publish digital content to ensure ADA compliance according to Texas state law.
• Develop and implement digital content strategies.
• Monitor compliance with state law and City communication policies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet project deadlines.
• Track and report progress on communication deliverables for major initiatives.

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.
• Active Employee Benefits | AustinTexas.gov for more information.

What This Job Offers

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