Public Information Specialist Senior (Social Media)

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.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

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  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.

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  Develops long-range strategic plans.

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  Writes plans, organizes, directs, coordinates and edits articles for publication in a variety of forms, including electronic publication.

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  Coordinates all aspects of production of marketing materials.

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  Performs media relations duties to include: media buying, news releases, and fielding questions from media.

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  Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.

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  Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use.

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  Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use.

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  May train and lead others.

The successful candidate will be a professional with excellent diplomacy skills, and an empathetic and inclusive work philosophy. They will demonstrate the ability to focus and work well under pressure, including in emergency scenarios and crisis management. They are confident with their communication skills, are highly self-motivated, curious and creative, and develop relationships built on trust. 

If this sounds like you, apply to join our team!

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed and complete job application is required and helps us to better evaluate your qualifications. In completing your job application, please be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history regarding any and all relevant work experience that you would like for us to consider. 
 
AI: Use of artificial intelligence tools or AI‑generated content is strictly prohibited at any stage of the hiring process.  Applicants may not use AI tools or AI‑generated responses when completing applications, taking assessments, or during interviews.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!  Learn more about City of Austin Benefits.

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite – including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

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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.

• 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.

• Experience leading digital communication strategies; specializing in managing overall social media strategy and content development, and measuring social media engagement, analytics and metrics.

• Experience with and knowledge of best practices for accessibility and ADA Compliance in digital communications.

• Experience shooting, editing and producing videos and photos for social media.

• Experience managing social media content during emergency scenarios and through crisis management.

• Ability to travel to more than one location.

• None.

• 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX, 78754

Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Employee may be required to work holidays, after hours, weekends and/or other areas due to business needs.

• Telework opportunities are available according to business needs.

$34.67 – $43.34 per hour

Your detailed and complete employment application will be used to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

• 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.

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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.