Public Information & Marketing Program Manager - Austin Water

City of Austin•Austin, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Water is seeking a Public Information and Marketing Program Manager to oversee communications and outreach initiatives, particularly related to its Capital Improvements Program. The person selected for this role will oversee strategic initiatives that include targeted updates to neighborhoods impacted by water and wastewater line replacements, regular information meetings for communities surrounding Austin Water’s treatment plants, and celebrations at the commencement and conclusion of construction activities. This position will serve as a key point of contact to facilitate quick resolution of customer issues throughout the construction process. In addition, this position will support community outreach and engagement activities associated with key water supply strategies in the Water Forward Plan and serve as a member of Austin Water’s Incident Management Team during emergency events.

Requirements

Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations and public involvement 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 of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks 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 develop, coordinate and implement programs.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, Marketing, Advertising, or related field plus six (6) years of work experience two (2) of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
A Master's degree may substitute for two years of the required non-supervisory experience
Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
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.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Experience with crisis communications and Incident Command System protocols during emergency events.
Skilled manager, with experience supervising communications staff to achieve strategic business objectives.
Skilled at preparing and presenting complicated technical information in an easy-to-understand manner to the public, elected officials, community stakeholders, and Austin Water executives.
Experience in working with cross-departmental project teams to address constituent concerns and complaints.
Understanding of Capital Improvement Program elements - project delivery, construction process, identification of potential customer impacts – to effectively communicate with the public.

Responsibilities

Develops corporate communications plans and strategies, policy development, and implementation.
Reviews legislation and recommends changes.
Develops program budget and guidelines.
Develops and coordinates programs and projects.
Develops long-range business and marketing plans.
Conducts market research.
Develops and implements procedures, policies, and guidelines.
Designs, writes, and edits publications for internal or external use.
Acts as official spokesperson for program or division (including crisis situations).
Serves as liaison for department with various agencies, other city departments, city council, and other city government officials, private businesses, outside vendors, community leaders, community groups, and the general public.
Serves as point of contact for city departments.
Conducts public education programs and presentations.
Writes and follows up on news releases.
Participates in bidding processes and negotiating contracts.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Manages two major programs or one major program and one supervisor; or manages two supervisors.