Public Information Specialist (Temp - Invitation Only)

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.

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.

• 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor 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.

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 and Certifications Required:

• None.

Application Instructions: 

In completing your job application, be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history including past job titles, employment dates and a detailed summary of your job duties, functions, responsibilities, and skills/abilities. A detailed and complete job application is required to help us determine base pay in the event you are selected for this position.  

NOTE: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be accepted or used to substitute for an incomplete job application. Once a position is closed, no additional applications or application changes will be accepted. 

Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process. 

All interviews are being conducted over the phone, Microsoft Teams Phone (no video required) or virtually via Microsoft Teams (video required), or in person. 

Post Interview Verification: If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we will be contacting your current and former employers, we will reach out for professional references including your most recent supervisor. Please do your best to ensure that the contact information on the application is accurate. Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the minimum or preferred qualifications and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference. 

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. 

Benefits 

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits, including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.