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

THE DEPARTMENT MAY CLOSE THIS JOB POSTING AT ANY TIME AFTER 7 DAYS .

Department Mission:

The Financial Services Department serves as a trusted steward of public resources with integrity and accountability to ensure a fiscally sound city.

Position Overview:
The Financial Services Department ( FSD ) is seeking a Public Information Specialist to fill a temporary role responsible for supporting community engagement, out reach, and communications. This he position collaborates with cross-functional teams on the creation of content for FSDs social media, websites and marketing materials, such as flyers, videos, and presentations. The position will also promote, organize, and staff stakeholder engagement sessions, outreach activities, and large-scale events.

The ideal candidate will have strong design and communication skills, will be creative and innovative, and will have a strong interest in delivering solutions that improve residents' access to and understanding of city financial services.

Post Interview Verification:
If you are selected as the top candidate for this position, we will be contacting your current and former employer, 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 application and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran's preference.

Application Instructions and Top Candidate Requirements:

A detailed and complete Employment Application is required.

Employment history dates must include month and year. Please include contact information from previous employers.

Top Candidates may be subject to a skills assessment.

The candidate selected for this position may be required to provide proof of education.

This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation.

Ninety (90) day provision for additional vacancy: When the same or an additional vacancy occurs within a department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the hiring department may offer the additional position to another candidate from the same candidate pool.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and wellness benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information .

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.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing client or business social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook of LinkedIn, including copywriting, scheduling, and analytics tracking.
• Experience in coordinating and staffing events and community outreach.
• Proficiency in web and graphic design principles and software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, SharePoint, Drupal or similar applications, ensuring the ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly digital content.

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 has been approved for 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.