Council Communications Strategist (District 10 Council Office)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•$75,000 - $87,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council Communications Strategist develops and implements clear, timely, and equity-focused communications and community outreach for the District 10 Council Office. The role supports a City Council Member, serves as an assigned liaison with city organizations and agencies, and may chair or facilitate citywide boards or committees and negotiate or resolve sensitive issues. It creates public messaging and written and visual content and supports constituent engagement through digital and in-person channels. The position creates multimedia assets for social media and outreach, develops social media growth strategies, writes digital communications and the Council Member’s weekly Mailchimp newsletter, and prepares talking points, speeches, op-eds, and other materials that explain complex issues to broad audiences. It manages press strategy and relationships, develops proactive earned media, and leads crisis communications. The role also collaborates with the Council Member and policy team, supports event logistics, and participates in community meetings, town halls, and outreach events. The position is based at Austin City Hall. The stated hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with hours varying according to operational needs; evenings and weekends are required. Telework opportunities are available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration or Public Administration, and experience in communications or public information; experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four years.
Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, and media relations programs.
Knowledge of municipal government functions and organization, including relationships among departments, divisions, and agencies.
Knowledge of customer service principles and necessary standards.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, and of city practices, policies, and procedures.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize work; planning and organizing skills.
Computer and related software skills.
Data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret policies and guidelines and write articles for publication.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
Ability to lead and train others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and public engagement.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with members of the press and develop proactive media strategies.

Nice To Haves

Experience creating original, on-brand digital content using Canva, Figma, or Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience drafting and editing effective social media content and managing creative, strategic social media programs.
Passion for progressive politics, communications, journalism, public relations, government, and community organizing.
Knowledge of local, state, and national political contexts, especially those related to Austin, Texas.
Ability to design compelling graphics.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review written correspondence, speeches, and other informational material.
Handle public relations and develop communications and marketing strategies.
Manage community outreach, newsletters, emails, updates, public meetings, and public forums.
Attend meetings, provide staff assistance during meetings, and attend to Council needs and requests.
Create visual and multimedia assets for social media and outreach, including graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing.
Develop social media growth strategies that incorporate current platform trends.
Draft accessible digital communications, including the Council Member’s weekly Mailchimp newsletter.
Write talking points, speeches, op-eds, and other copy for broad audiences.
Manage press strategy, cultivate press relationships, draft advisories and releases, and develop proactive earned media strategies.
Lead crisis communications and coordinate rapid, strategic responses to breaking news.
Collaborate with the Council Member and policy team to amplify external messaging about accomplishments and office initiatives.
Support event logistics and participate in community meetings, town halls, and outreach events.
Serve as an assigned liaison with city organizations and agencies; chair or facilitate citywide boards or committees and negotiate and resolve sensitive issues as assigned.
Travel to multiple locations when necessary if the employee meets the City’s Driver Safety Standards; otherwise, arrange transportation to and from those locations.

Benefits

Low-cost medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Paid leave time.
Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
Training opportunities.
Work-life balance programs.
Wellness programs and mental health support.
On-site fitness centers.
Professional development and leadership opportunities.
Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.