Minimum Qualifications
Public Information Specialist 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 and Certifications Required:

• None.

Public Information Specialist Sr
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 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.

Notes to Applicants
This position is responsible for the dissemination of news and information about departmental and Citywide programs to the media, general public, and City of Austin employees. While media relations will be the focus of this role, other duties may contribute to social media, internal communications, marketing, and public relations. Developing and implementing media strategies and providing advice and training on media engagement will also be key responsibilities.
Strong candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing multiple tasks with short deadlines under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
• Highly collaborative work style and ability to work well in a team environment and establish good rapport at all levels of the organization
• In-depth understanding of local government

Salary:
Public Information Specialist: $28.04 - $34.34
Public Information Specialist Senior: $30.29 - $37.86
When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
• A rsum is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
• A cover letter is also required.

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.
• Military/veteran applicants will need to provide a copy of the DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience serving as official spokesperson to the media
• Experience responding to media inquiries on behalf of a governmental organization
• Experience conducting media training
• Experience writing press releases and media advisories
• Experience communicating with diverse demographics
• Experience translating complex ideas for a general audience
• Experience pitching stories and securing media coverage
• Experience seeking out and cultivating news and information resources for the development of stories
• Experience as a City of Austin PIO a plus
• Spanish language skills a plus

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
This position is posted at multiple levels. For Duties, Functions and Responsibilities, please select the appropriate job description below. Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Public Information Specialist Job Description Public Information Specialist Senior Job Description
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
This position is posted at multiple levels. For Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, please select the appropriate job description below. 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.
Public Information Specialist Job Description Public Information Specialist Senior Job Description
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.