Public Information Specialist Senior - 311 - Austin Energy

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a proactive communications professional to disseminate information to the public, City personnel and media. You will shape marketing materials, write articles, and manage media relations across digital and print channels.

Responsibilities include developing strategic plans, coordinating newsletters, publishing news releases, and producing public service announcements. A strong background in public information and crisis communications is desired.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field plus four years of progressive public information experience.
• Experience creating marketing plans and planning/purchasing advertising for campaigns.
• Experience managing social media platforms for an organization.
• Crisis communications experience.
• Experience coordinating and providing media interviews.
• Experience developing and presenting high-quality presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.

Responsibilities

• Disseminates news and information to the public, City employees and media.
• Develops long-range strategic plans and writes/publishes articles for various formats.
• Coordinates production of marketing materials and manages media relations (news releases).
• Coordinates public relations activities (education, tours, information requests).
• Designs newsletters and releases for internal/external use and produces PSAs and videos.

Skills

Public information

Marketing communications

Media relations

Written communication

Oral communication

Project management

Data analysis

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Canva

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

About This Position

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.

Job Description: 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.

Responsibilities – Supervisor 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating marketing plans and with planning and purchasing advertising for marketing campaigns.
• Experience managing and monitoring social media platforms for an organization.
• Crisis communications experience.
• Experience coordinating and providing media interviews.
• Experience developing and presenting high-quality presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Experience in government or municipal communications and marketing.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $34.67-$43.34

Physical Location

4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723

EEO Statement for City of Austin

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. 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 [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Notes to Candidate

This role will support communications and marketing efforts for 3-1-1 and Austin Energy. Working alongside Austin Energy's Corporate Communications team and 3-1-1 staff, the person in this position will focus on marketing, social media and media relations. We're looking for a self-starter with the ability to work across multiple work groups and on multiple projects simultaneously. This role requires a skilled communicator who can maneuver media interviews, coordinate social media and help plan marketing communications campaigns. Crafting and presenting stellar presentations is a plus. This role is also expected to support emergency communications response(s). This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location

4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Days/Hours

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evenings, weekends and holidays may be required for business needs

Assessments

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

VETERAN INTERVIEW PREFERENCE

Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7-year criminal history background check.

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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.