About This Position

About the Department:

The Austin Technology Services Department provides and empowers the City’s business partners and Austin’s residents, visitors and businesses with sustained, reliable, and efficient technology services, infrastructure, and telecommunications. By leveraging state-of-the-art tools, innovative methods, and strategic partnerships, we are at the center of shaping the City of Austin’s IT strategy.

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist Senior

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:

Expertise with Canva (or similar tool)
Expertise with SharePoint (or similar tool)
Experience interviewing & authoring enticing media stories with visuals
Experience with project management to assist with overall communication planning for projects and/or departmental efforts

Notes to Candidate:

Overview of Position:

The Public Information Specialist Senior position will be part of the Finance and Support Services team of the Austin Technology Services department. This position will develop and disseminate information to the public and build the department's brand strategy and marketing materials. This position will improve communications internally and externally through publications, web presence and publications and/or video development. This position will work with staff to develop materials to accomplish overall department objectives.

Specifically, this position:

Develops corporate communications plans/strategies, policy development and implementation.
Develops long-range strategic business and marketing plans. Conducts market research as needed.
Designs, writes and edits the ATS hub, newsletters, publications and marketing materials for internal and/or external use.
Acts as official spokesperson for the department (including crisis situations).
Develops presentation templates and brand standards and assists with change management through communications.
Assists staff members to promote the Austin Technology Services department at conferences and/or exhibits.

Please note: This position has a hybrid work schedule requiring 3 days onsite per week. There is some flexibility. Onsite presence required as operational needs arise.

Pay Range:

$32.96 - $43.26

Days and Hours:

Monday -Friday during regular business hours. This position has a hybrid work schedule requiring 3 days onsite per week. There is some flexibility. Onsite presence required as operational needs arise. Must reside in the state of Texas.

Critical Employee:
This position has been designated as a Critical Employee. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and support 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.

Application Instructions:

In completing your job application, be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history including past job titles, employment dates and a detailed summary of your job duties, functions, responsibilities, and skills/abilities. A detailed and complete job application is required to help us determine base pay in the event you are selected for this position.

NOTE: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be accepted or used to substitute for an incomplete job application. Once a position is closed, no additional applications or application changes will be accepted.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.

Post Interview Verification:

If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we will be contacting your current and former employers, as well as the references listed in your application. Please do your best to ensure that the contact information on the application is accurate. Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the minimum or preferred qualifications and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference.

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.

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits, including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

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.

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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Public Information Spec Sr

Job Description