Public Information Specialist Senior

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist Senior

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

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.

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.

Job Description:

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.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
  

Notes to Candidate:

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.

Austin Emergency Management (AEM) plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public about preparedness, develops volunteers, manages grant funding to improve homeland security and public safety capabilities, coordinates emergency response and recovery, supports planned events, and works with public and partner organizations to protect our whole community when it needs us the most.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
  
• A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position
  

Background Investigation

A CJIS criminal background investigation will be required.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD- 214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

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, training opportunities and more.

Compensation:

$32.96 - $41.20/hour

Assessment:

An assessment may be included as a part of this recruitment process.

Hours:

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hours will vary based on operational needs.

This position is considered essential and will be required to report to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as directed in advance, or in response to an emergency, and may include nights (overnights), weekends, holidays, etc.

Work Location:

5010 Old Manor Road

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.

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

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: 2026-01-12