Public Information Specialist Senior (Reserved for TPW Department Employees Only)

Minimum Qualifications
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 the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:
None
Notes to Applicants
The Public Information Specialist Senior is part of the Austin Transportation and Public Works ( TPW ) Department’s Public Information team and would serve under the Office of the Director Division.

The Senior role is responsible for the following:

Public involvement, marketing, public relations, media relations, coordinating marketing initiatives, organizing departmental initiatives, leading graphic design development, video productions, 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
$32.23 - $40.29

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 10/11/2024 Type of Posting Departmental Only Department Transportation & Public Works Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX, 78741 Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in writing and editing articles, blog posts, press releases, social media posts and newsletters.
• Experience implementing content strategies on social media platforms to include analyzing engagement data, identifying trends and planning digital campaigns to build community online.
• Experience presenting and communicating in writing and orally to a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience and interest in transportation 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.


1. 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.
2. Develops long-range strategic plans.
3. Writes plans, organizes, directs, coordinates and edits articles for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publication.
4. Coordinates all aspects of production of marketing materials.
5. Performs media relations duties to include: media buying, news releases, and fielding questions from media.
6. Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
7. Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
8. Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
May train and lead others.
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.
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.
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 the Public Information Specialist Senior position are: 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 the education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Briefly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and educational requirements.
(Open Ended Question)
* How many years of experience do you have in public engagement and community involvement to support organizational initiatives?

• None
• Less than one (1) year
• At least one (1) year but less than three (3) years
• At least three (3) years but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) or more years

* Please describe your experience planning and coordinating public meetings, workshops and town halls.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in designing, researching, writing and editing newsletters and press releases for internal or external use?
(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

* Describe your experience or knowledge working in or with news media.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your proficiency/experience in Microsoft Office applications ie (Word, Excel, and Power Point).

• No Experience
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Expert

* Do you have 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
• Interest
• None

* Do you understand that this position is required to work in office 50% of the pay period?

• Yes
• No

* 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

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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