Public Information Specialist

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s 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 or Certifications:

• None

Notes to Applicants
The Public Information Specialist position is part of the Austin Transportation and Public Works public information team and would serve under the Office of the Director Division.

The Public Information Specialist role is responsible for the following:

Community engagement, public involvement, ensuring Language Access policies are followed, marketing, public relations, media relations, coordinating marketing initiatives, organizing departmental initiatives, leading graphic design development, video production and web content.

This is a critical component of the Transportation and Public Works team, ensuring internal and external communications are correct, clear, concise and timely. This position requires frequent and ongoing communications with multiple TPW divisions, other City departments, as well as agencies outside the City of Austin to support the diverse and complex work of these entities. Serving the public by leading marketing strategies, grassroots campaigns and community outreach is expected of this team member.

Watch the video linked below to learn more about Austin Transportation and Public Works and its role in the region’s mobility landscape.

Inside TPW : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu4fqWGoH0E

Working for the City of Austin provides a number health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. For more information on City of Austin Benefits click here!

Regarding your Application:

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Please list your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary.

Assessment:

This position may require a skills assessment.

Close Job Posting:

Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

Office Location Notes:

Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

Austin Transportation and Public Works positions are not at 100% remote operation.

Video Conferencing Software Technology:

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.
Pay Range
$28.04 - $34.04

Hours
Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.
Job Close Date 07/02/2024 Type of Posting External Department Transportation & Public Works Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 901 S. MoPac Expressway, Austin, TX, 78746 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish
• Professional experience in public engagement and community involvement to support organizational initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders such as program managers, as well as writers, data experts and graphic designers to advise the organization on effective communications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to implement adopted strategies in a deadline environments.
• Experience and interest in transportation and land use issues, especially the complexity of serving all users including people riding transit, bicycling, walking and driving.
• Experience working under pressure with tight deadlines in a professional setting.

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, organize, direct, coordinate and edit 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 i.e., arrange facilities, contact media, invite all appropriate groups and individuals, etc. Designs, researches, write and edit newsletters and 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 i.e., mailing lists, association & organization lists, etc. Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.

Responsibilities - Supervision 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
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.

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.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for a Public information Specialist are a graduation with a Bachelor’s 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. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Briefly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and educational requirements.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience in developing strategic communications plans and strategies?

• Yes, extensive
• Some experience
• None

* Describe your experience making content for social media, especially short-form video content.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience writing and editing press releases, articles, social media posts, and talking points.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires someone who can be available to provide communications support during citywide emergencies such as flooding, ice storms, and additional natural and man-made disasters. This could result in having to work outside of normal work hours. If offered the position, are you willing to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as mandated by business needs?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have experience and interest in transportation issues, especially the complexity of serving all users including, people riding transit, bicycling, walking and driving?

• Experience
• Interest
• None

* Please describe your proficiency/experience in Microsoft Office applications ie (Word, Excel, and Power Point).

• No Experience
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Expert

* Select the statement that best describes your English/Spanish bilingual fluency level.

• I speak both English and Spanish fluently
• I speak some Spanish
• I understand some Spanish
• I am fluent in English only

* Please describe your experience working under pressure with tight deadlines in a professional setting.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience building effective relationships to engage and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
(Open Ended Question)
* All applicants applying for this job posting should submit a complete application; resumes submitted should mirror the completed application. Starting salary for the top candidate (s) will only be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application, not the resume or cover letter. Your application will be considered incomplete if your application and resume do not mirror and if your application states “see resume”. Do you understand these statements?

• Yes
• No

* How did you hear about this opportunity? Example: Job board (please specify), Career Fair (please specify), 3rd party recruiting firm, etc.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

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