Temporary Public Information Specialist - Digital Content

Job Description:

Temporary Public Information Specialist - Digital Content

Description

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 - anchors in delivering 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.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information (written and oral) to the general public, City employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or City wide 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.

Job Description:

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, 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. 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, such as arranging facilities, contacting media, inviting all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
• Designs, researches, writes, and edits newsletters; 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, such as mailing lists, association and organization lists, etc.
• Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.

Responsibilities - Supervisor 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.

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
  
  OR
  
• Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a municipally-owned utility or local government environment.
• Experience managing projects from concept through delivery, including scripting, storyboard and directing on-camera talent.
• Strong understanding of lighting, composition and sound design.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Experience optimizing video content for digital platforms including YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and other social media channels.

Notes to Candidate:

This position will be responsible for planning, capturing and producing high-quality video content that supports Austin Energy's brand, messaging and strategic goals. These videos will engage target audiences across digital, social and internal platforms. This role will also maintain video equipment, stay current with industry trends and production techniques and continuously identify opportunities to elevate the organization's visual storytelling and audience impact.

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.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Work Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hybrid)

Salary Range: $29.89 per hour (low) to $37.37 per hour (mid)

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-26