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 Bachelors 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 veterans preference.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that theJob Posting Close Datereflects thefinal day to apply but the posting willclose 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 yousave or print a copy of the job postingfor your records. Once a posting has closed it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Benefits

Working with the City of Austin providesa number ofbenefits including medical paid leave time a great retirement plan training opportunities and more!ClickHEREfor more information.