Public Information Specialist

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; Or

Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information
Licenses or Certifications:
None.
Notes to Applicants
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 position will be responsible for all aspects of media relations, strategic outreach efforts related to Capital Improvement projects and department initiatives, department website maintenance and content development, emergency communications, and content creation for internal communications.

The Communications Office works on initiatives such as public safety, marketing and educational campaigns; media relations; website administration; community engagement; emergency communications; internal communications; and other outreach efforts.

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

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

ASSESSMENTS :
The candidate selected to interview is subject to pre-employment screening assessments to evaluate skill levels and competencies required for this position.
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.

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. It 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.

Pay Range
$29.23 - $36.54

Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday 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.
Job Close Date 11/26/2024 Type of Posting External Department Watershed Protection Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with media, including building relations with media outlets, coordinating responses to media inquiries, preparing staff for interviews, developing talking points, and acquiring earned media.
• Experience writing and editing press releases, memos, external and internal communications, articles, and social media posts.
• Experience writing and maintaining web content using content management systems such as Drupal or SharePoint.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical information to a diverse audience.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in a secondary language.

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.


1. Writes, plans, organize, direct, coordinate and edit articles for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publication. Coordinates all aspects of production of marketing materials.
2. 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.
3. Assists in the planning and development of advertising/promotional campaigns/strategies.
4. Provides event coordination services i.e., arrange facilities, contact media, invite all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
5. Designs, researches, write and edit newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
6. Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites.
7. Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
8. Designs and maintains databases i.e., mailing lists, association & organization lists, etc.
9. Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
Conducts training of personnel regarding: how to communicate with the media, train external media on departments’ media standard operating procedures.
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.
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.
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
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.

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.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Public Information Specialist position are: 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. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

* Describe your experience working with the media, including building relations with media outlets, coordinating responses to media inquiries and preparing staff for interviews, developing talking points, and acquiring earned media.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience writing and editing content for internal and external communications (press releases, memos, social media, outreach materials, etc.).
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience writing and maintaining web content using content management systems such as Drupal or SharePoint.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience communicating complex technical information to a diverse audience.
(Open Ended Question)
* Are you fluently bilingual (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish or other secondary language? If yes, briefly describe.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

Show more