Public Information Specialist Senior - Austin Facilities Management

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Senior Public Information Specialist to craft and manage AFM communications for staff, departments, and the public. You will lead internal communications, newsletters, intranet content, and liaison work with partner departments during facility transitions and service changes.

You will design communications plans aligned with the city’s strategic priorities, plan all-hands meetings, employee appreciation events, and support public information requests as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of progressive public information experience.
• Experience developing and implementing public information programs.
• Experience writing newsletters, articles, and web content.

Responsibilities

• Develops long-range strategic communications plans.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates articles for internal and external use.
• Coordinates production of marketing materials and newsletters.
• Conducts media relations duties including responses to information requests.
• Plans and coordinates events, presentations, and employee communications.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Education

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

Job description

About This Position

Austin Facilities Management (AFM) is growing quickly. Since 2021, our workforce has grown from 189 to 377 employees, and the square footage we manage has grown from 4,322,151 to 7,562,724 sq ft. We have a new Strategic Plan, and communication is central to carrying it out. We are looking for a Public Information Specialist Senior to build and run how AFM communicates with its own employees and with the City departments we serve. In this role, you will develop AFM’s communications plan around the Strategic Plan priorities and run a two-way internal communication model, so information flows down from leadership and staff feedback has a real path back up. You will write and distribute newsletters, updates, and web and intranet content. You will act as the day-to-day communications liaison to our partner departments, including during facility transitions and service changes. When needed, you will also communicate with the public about the public-facing facilities AFM now manages. In addition, you will plan all-hands meetings, employee appreciation events, and facility tours, and serve as backup for public information requests. The ideal candidate is a clear writer and a good listener who can build trust with staff at every level and communicate calmly and clearly under tight timelines.

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.

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 writing, editing, and producing newsletters, articles, and web or intranet content, including developing a communications plan or promotional strategy. Experience receiving, investigating, and answering questions and feedback from employees, partner departments, or the public, and routing them to the right people. Experience serving as a liaison between an organization and its internal or external customers, including communicating about service changes. Experience planning and coordinating events, presentations, and tours.

Compensation Range

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

Work Location

Work Location - Austiin Facilities Management - 411 Chicon St, Austin TX 78702

Work Hours

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Hours may vary. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required based upon work demands and business needs.

Driving Requirement (if applicable)

This position may require a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one by your hire date. External new hires must meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) standards (e.g., no more than 3 moving violations or 6 points in the last 36 months).

Travel

If the position requires travel, you must meet Driver Safety Program standards, Otherwise, you are responsible for transportation to and from multiple job sites as needed.

Essential/Critical Employee Designation

Some positions are designated as Critical or Essential. Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified. This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.

Work Conditions

Work hours may vary based on operational needs and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call assignments. Must have the ability to read, write and speak English fluently. A skills assessment may be required as part of the hiring process.

Veteran Preference

Veteran candidates must provide a copy of their DD-214 at the interview to receive the veteran’s preference.

Background Check

A criminal background check may be required, depending on the responsibilities of the position.

Why Join Us

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.

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.