Strategic Communications Consultant - Austin Communications & Engagement

About This Position

 

The Strategic Communications Consultant provides strategic communications guidance, as well as public information outreach initiative coordination and implementation support resources to executive leadership, City department staff, Council offices, and program managers. This position also coordinates with the appropriate staff within and outside of Austin Communications & Engagement (ACE) to ensure consistency and quality of Citywide communication efforts.

 

Job Description:

Purpose

Under minimal supervision, this position serves as a leader in the Communications and Public Information Office to executive leadership, departmental public information staff, Council offices, and program managers regarding strategic communications planning and implementation for assigned projects and initiatives. The position coordinates with staff within and outside of the Communications and Public Information Office to ensure consistency and quality of City-wide communications efforts.

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.

• Develops and implements short- and long-term communications strategies, deliverables, and performance metrics.

• Provides strategic communications guidance to internal customers. Provides consulting services to departmental communication staff, managers, executives, and stakeholders.

• Consults with assigned departments and project and program representatives to develop effective and engaging communications projects and programs. Develops and leads the implementation of communications plans and strategies.

• Develops project budgets and guidelines.

• Provides leadership and guidance on imaging, branding, and marketing of events and activities.

• Fosters relationships within the organization and external agencies.

• Coordinates design, writing, and editing of print and electronic marketing materials. Serves as a liaison for the department to assigned departments and various external agencies, including City Council, private businesses, community partners, residents, vendors, and interest groups.

• Develops, distributes and follows-up on press materials that support assigned activities. Assists in the planning, marketing, and execution of special events that support assigned activities.

• Develops social and electronic media strategies that support communications initiatives. Conducts public education projects and presentations. Assures consistency and quality of communications materials and alignment with corporate guidelines and expectations.

• Provides training, guidance, and technical assistance to CPIO’s divisions and departmental communications staff through various methods identifies needs and feedback.

• Coordinates bid process and contract negotiation for services as required.

• Assists in the development of appropriate procedures and policies governing communications activities.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership and/or supervision to assigned employees or project management.

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 modern principles of strategic marketing communications, including the use of interactive, electronic, and social media tools.

• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of media relations.

• Knowledge of project management techniques and principles.

• Skill in writing a wide variety of communications tactics such as press releases, memos, newsletters, op-eds, and talking points.

• Skill in consulting with a variety of clients offering a wide range of individual programs and services.

• Skill in negotiating shared solutions on project/program priorities and communications strategies.

• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.

• Skill in using computers and related business and design applications.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Ability to prioritize and manage concurrent programs, activities and deadlines.

• Ability to quickly evaluate situations and develop appropriate strategies for communications.

• Ability to develop, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with the public, elected officials, and other employees.

• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidential information.

• Ability to train others.

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment, manage shifting deadlines, and multiple priority assignments effectively, and work non-traditional hours when needed.

• Ability to organize work, set priorities, use time effectively, work independently and meet deadlines.

• Ability to research, analyze, and present background information on a wide variety of assigned projects, programs and topics, relative to various issues in the City sphere.

• Ability to respond well under pressure with strict time limits.

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with primary course work in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising or related field, plus six (6) years of related work experience. Master’s Degree may substitute for two (2) years of work experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing and implementing multi-platform communications and outreach campaigns that strengthen access to services and amplify public participation opportunities

• Experience managing complex projects or initiatives that require collaboration with and providing guidance to multiple internal and external stakeholders

• Experience developing executive communications

• The ability to travel to more than one work location

 

Notes to Candidate:

Candidates should have experience working independently in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple, high-profile projects simultaneously. Additionally, candidates should be skilled in quickly analyzing challenges, identifying potential solutions, providing professional recommendations for implementation, and designing culturally relevant communication initiatives that increase knowledge and engagement across diverse audiences.

Austin Communications and Engagement fosters positive relationships with local and national media, and provides timely, proactive and responsive information to media inquiries; creates opportunities for the community to engage in the decision-making processes of the City of Austin; and actively promotes City projects, programs and initiatives.

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 criminal background investigation will not 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:

$ 75,930.00 - $ 96,430.00 annually.

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 may require nights and weekends. Flexible work schedule options are available
 

Work Location:

City Hall

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.

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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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.

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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.