Public Information Specialist Senior (Digital Communications)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

11d • $33 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

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 – anchors in delivering 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. Job Description: Public Information Specialist Senior Purpose: Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information to the general public, City employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or Citywide 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. Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Primary responsibility for larger individual projects or act as an account representative for client departments and programs. Develops long-range strategic plans. 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. Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public. Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use. Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use. Position Overview: Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) seeks a creative, multi-talented and innovative Public Information Specialist Sr. (Digital Communications) to join its digital and creative services team. Primary responsibilities include managing the department's web pages, Austin Recycles mobile app, online business listings, digital advertising, editing and publishing a digital newsletter and blog. This position will create digital communications campaigns to keep Austinites educated and informed about ARR services and programs. The successful candidate will be an ambitious professional with an empathetic and inclusive work philosophy. They will demonstrate the ability to focus and work well under pressure, including in emergency communications scenarios (like during Winter Storm Mara or COVID-19). They are confident in their communication skills, are highly self-motivated, curious and creative, and can work independently or with a team. If this sounds like you, apply to join our team!

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 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.
• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field plus four (4) years of progressive experience in developing and implementing programs of public information, one (1) of which was in a team leader/coordinator capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• 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.
• Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with web content planning and implementation for public outreach, marketing or public information campaigns.
• Experience with and knowledge of best practices for accessibility and ADA Compliance in digital communications
• Experience planning content for, writing, editing, and publishing blogs and digital newsletters.
• Experience managing and creating engaging mobile app content and communications to promote services, campaigns, and events.

Responsibilities

• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations.
• Primary responsibility for larger individual projects or act as an account representative for client departments and programs.
• Develops long-range strategic plans.
• 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.
• Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
• Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
• Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use.

Benefits

• 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.
• Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior