Public Information Specialist - Austin Transportation and Public Works

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist - Austin Transportation and Public Works

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

About Us!
Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) 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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

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.

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.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences.
  

• Experience managing social media platforms, including use of scheduling tools and analytics to guide improvements.
  

• Basic photography and photo editing skills; ability to create or coordinate visuals to support communications goals.
  

• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects and competing deadlines.
  

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in communications, with sensitivity to multicultural and multilingual audiences.
  

• Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or other languages) a plus.
  

• Experience in government, nonprofit, or community engagement communications is desirable.
  

Notes to Candidate:

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. The person in this position is responsible for maintaining and expanding the positive image of Austin Transportation and Public Works ( A TPW) through effective public relations, media relations, public involvement, marketing, and branding.

Responsibilities include developing and executing social media and paid advertising strategies, maintaining content calendars and producing engaging written and visual materials to support public outreach. The role also involves photography and editing, managing digital assets and coordinating campaigns in collaboration with internal teams and external partners. In addition, this position supports department-wide initiatives, promotes and attends outreach events and participates in citywide communications efforts to ensure consistency, compliance and meaningful community engagement.

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

Essential Employee:

This position is considered an “Essential” role and is essential to the operations of the City based on the preparation, response, and recovery phase of extraordinary situations or emergency conditions. As an employee that has been designated as “Essential” the expectation will be to work at a designated work site during declared extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to serve the community. Essential Employees during emergencies play a role in ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare of our community and ensuring City operations continue.

Pay Rate: $29.89 - $37.37 per hour.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.

Work Location: 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 450, Austin, TX, 78741

Watch for the video linked below to learn more about Austin Transportation and Public Works and its role in the region's mobility landscape. Inside TPW: Click here to watch the video.

Working for the City of Austin provides a number of 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!

A Cover Letter and Resume are required for this position. Please be sure to upload these documents for consideration.

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.

Applicant: READ THIS STATEMENT 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.

Close Job Posting:

Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

Office Location Notes: Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Transportation and Public Works positions are not at 100% remote operation.

Video Conferencing Software Technology:

Austin Transportation and Public Works uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.

A Cover Letter and Resume are required for this position. Please be sure to upload these documents for consideration.

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.

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: 2025-11-04