Senior Public Information & Communications Specialist

GFOAT; Waco (TX); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Waco seeks an experienced Senior Public Information & Communication Specialist to tell the City’s story and connect residents with programs and services. You will translate complex information into clear messages and work across departments.

This role emphasizes strong writing, strategic communication, and building relationships with community stakeholders. You will maintain media relations, manage content for the City website and social channels, and support communications during

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 5 years' experience required or an equivalent combination.
• Experience in public information and communications programs is required.
• Knowledge of city government operations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develops content, presents information, and ensures accurate information is presented to promote city departments and services; updates City website and social media sites and provides electronic and print media organizations with information.
• Represents the City and maintains media relations in the community on a variety of topics in a timely manner.
• Develops and implements communication strategies for the dissemination of information to ensure that the key messages reach the public.
• Develops and coordinates crisis and risk communications during city emergencies.
• Required to respond after-hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City wide emergency.

Skills

Strong writing

Strategic communication

Media relations

Content development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/PR related field

5 years' experience in journalism/communications/PR

Job description

Minimum Starting Salary: $65,000.00, Depending on qualifications

The City of Waco Seeks:

We are seeking an experienced and creative Senior Public Information & Communication Specialist to help tell the City of Waco's story and connect our community with the programs, services, and information that matter most. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and strategic communicator who can develop engaging content, build relationships with departments and community stakeholders, and support communications during both everyday operations and emerging issues. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy turning complex information into clear, meaningful communication, we invite you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Organizational Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, or a related field and 5 years' experience in journalism, communications, and public relations programs: or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Position Overview:

Under basic supervision, prepares and presents internal and external communications for assigned departments within the City of Waco.

Essential Functions:

• Develops content, presents information, and ensures accurate information is presented to promote city departments and services; updates City website and social media sites and provides electronic and print media organizations with information.
• Represents the City and maintains media relations in the community on a variety of topics in a timely manner.
• Cultivates valuable content to promote city departments and services.
• Develops policy and establishes infrastructure to enhance internal and external communication to cultivate stakeholder and community engagement.
• Establishes and maintains communication with the overall city communications team.
• Creates and evaluates presentations for assigned departments.
• Evaluates public issues and public perception of issues and recommends solutions.
• Develops and implements communication strategies for the dissemination of information to ensure that the key messages reach the public.
• Develops and coordinates crisis and risk communications during city emergencies.
• Required to respond after-hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City wide emergency.

Required for All Jobs:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Lives the City of Waco Values.