Public Information Specialist

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field; Or
• Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None

Notes to Applicants
About Us!
The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department ( TPW ) is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains infrastructure for our community. Our vision is for Austin to be the model for safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation. We value safety, unity, reliability, accountability, integrity, community, and employee fulfillment.

The Opportunity!
The Public Information Specialist is part of the Austin Transportation and Public Works Public Information and Marketing team and will serve under the Office of the Director Division. The person in this position is responsible for maintaining and expanding the positive image of Austin Transportation and Public Works ( TPW ) through effective public relations, media relations, public involvement, marketing, and branding.

The Public Information Specialist role is responsible for the following: Engaging in community outreach, particularly with underserved and underrepresented communities and leading website development and content management using platforms such as Drupal, WordPress, and ARCgis. The role requires leveraging tools like Public Input and Open Data to enhance public engagement and transparency, as well as developing outreach strategies to communicate TPW initiatives to diverse audiences. Additionally, the PIO Specialist will use data visualization and mapping techniques to present information clearly and manage digital communication channels to support community engagement. Collaboration across TPW divisions, other City departments and external agencies will be key to aligning messaging and outreach efforts, while ensuring technical content is accessible and understandable to the public.

This position requires frequent and ongoing communications with multiple TPW divisions, other City departments, as well as agencies outside the City of Austin to support the diverse and complex work of these entities.

Due to the responsibilities related to this position, the top candidate will be subject to a skills assessment.

To watch a video about Austin Transportation and Public Works, click here.

Working for the City of Austin provides a number health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. For more information on City of Austin Benefits click here!

Regarding your Application:
A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Please list your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Public Works Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the City of Austin Public Works Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

Education Verification:
If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Assessment:
This position may require a skills assessment.

Close Job Posting:
Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

Video Conferencing Software Technology:
Austin Transportation and Public Works Department uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.

PLEASE NOTE : Austin Transportation and Public Works positions are not at 100% remote operation. If the position you are applying for has the ability/opportunity to telework, we offer a hybrid schedule to work in office and remotely.


Office Location Notes:
Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
Pay Range
$29.23 - $36.54

Hours
Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.
Job Close Date 11/19/2024 Type of Posting External Department Transportation & Public Works Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5202 E Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with media with a background in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in community outreach, with a focus on engaging and building relationships with underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Proficiency in website development and content management, with hands-on experience using platforms such as Drupal, WordPress, and ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with Public Input and Open Data tools to support public engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute outreach strategies that promote transportation initiatives and City projects to diverse audiences.

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.


Writes, plans, organize, direct, coordinate and edit 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. Performs public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public. Assists in the planning and development of advertising/promotional campaigns/strategies. Provides event coordination services i.e., arrange facilities, contact media, invite all appropriate groups and individuals, etc. Designs, researches, write and edit newsletters and releases for internal or external use. Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites. Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use. Designs and maintains databases i.e., mailing lists, association & organization lists, etc. Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Conducts training of personnel regarding: how to communicate with the media, train external media on departments’ media standard operating procedures.

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.
• Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple projects 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
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.

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.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for a Public information Specialist are a graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising or related field, or four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Briefly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and educational requirements.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience with community outreach, particularly in engaging underserved and underrepresented communities. How did you ensure your outreach efforts were inclusive and effective?
(Open Ended Question)
* What experience do you have in website development and content management using platforms like Drupal, WordPress, or ARCgis? Please provide an example of a project where you implemented these tools to improve public engagement.
(Open Ended Question)
* How have you used Public Input or Open Data tools to support public engagement and transparency in your previous roles? How did these tools help enhance communication with the community?
(Open Ended Question)
* Please discuss your experience with data visualization or mapping, particularly with ARCgis, and how you’ve used these techniques to communicate complex information effectively to the public?
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience and interest in transportation issues, especially the complexity of serving all users including, people riding transit, bicycling, walking and driving?

• Experience
• Interest
• None

* This role requires frequent communication and collaboration across multiple departments and external agencies. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage complex communications between different teams or organizations to achieve a common goal?
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires someone who can be available to provide communications support during citywide emergencies such as flooding, ice storms, and additional natural and man-made disasters. This could result in having to work outside of normal work hours. If offered the position, are you willing to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as mandated by business needs?

• Yes
• No

* All applicants applying for this job posting should submit a complete application; resumes submitted should mirror the completed application. Starting salary for the top candidate (s) will only be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application, not the resume or cover letter. Your application will be considered incomplete if your application and resume do not mirror and if your application states “see resume”. Do you understand these statements?

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents