Media Assistant - Animal Services-CAS/PT (Less than 19 hrs/week)

Provides communications support by developing, producing, and distributing engaging content for the public, media, and community partners. Produces and monitors communications for the Police Department, including Community Relations Unit programs, Community Outreach Center programs, Animal Services programs, traffic safety campaigns, press releases, reports, and other department communications.

1. Creates engaging multimedia content to promote departmental programs, services, and initiatives across digital and print platforms.
2. Writes, edits, and coordinates content for publications, newsletters, reports, websites, social media, digital signage, and other communication materials.
3. Generates ideas for digital content, including website, social media, and signage.
4. Develops creative story ideas and communication campaigns to increase community engagement and support media outreach efforts.
5. Ensures all communications reflect consistent, accurate, and professional departmental messaging and brand.
6. Produces photography, videography, and graphics content for marketing, educational, and public information purposes.
7. Regular and timely attendance is required for this position.
8. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, and others in the course of daily work.
9. Collaborates with Police Department divisions and City departments to support communication initiatives and ensure consistent departmental branding and messaging
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned to Animal Services - Police Department:

1. Reports to assigned management within Animal Services.
2. Supports the promotion of Animal Services programs, including pet adoption, foster care, volunteer recruitment, responsible pet ownership, pet retention, community outreach, and fundraising initiatives.
3. Identifies and develops communication opportunities that highlight shelter animals, reunifications, volunteer and foster programs, community partnerships, and Animal Services events to increase public engagement and program participation.
4. Provides communications support for Animal Services events, educational initiatives, and outreach campaigns by assisting with promotional planning, public information, and event documentation.
5. Assists with the development of reports, presentations, and public information materials using Animal Services statistics, program accomplishments, and community impact data.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Must be proficient with various technology and computer software, i.e. Microsoft Office, copy and scanning equipment. Experience in Canva and Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign is preferred.
• Proficient in the use of various social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.).
• Excellent writing skills. Photo, video, and copy editing skills.
• Must be able to operate a camera.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) Writing Style Guide preferred.
• Strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work independently on multiple projects with minimal supervision.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

Prefer two years of college level course work in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check and credit check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Due to Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) requirements, the candidate must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order. Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Deferred Adjudication, or Felony Conviction are permanent disqualifiers.

Must be in compliance with the department’s drug and tattoo policy.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors. Photo and video assignments may include exposure to animals and outdoor activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch.  This position requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.