City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Deputy Director, Communications and Public Information

Under the general direction of the Chief Communications Director, this position assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Communications and Public Information Office to execute corporate communications and engagement strategies in partnership with the City Manager’s Executive Leadership team. This position works collaboratively with City departments on communications strategies, messaging, and community engagement. 

1. Assists in overseeing day-to-day operations of the City’s Communication and Public Information Office with special emphasis on media relations, social media, and community relations ensuring a unified City message.
2. Develops and maintains professional working relationships with news media representatives and assists media with information about meetings, City decisions, policies, and other City issues of interest to the media.
3. Works with the Director in formulating and executing communications strategies for corporate initiatives including in crisis and emergency communications efforts, especially those tied to emergency activations. Closely involved in crisis communications and issues management involving media relations, social media, and community relations.
4. Assists with budgeting, human resources, records management, technology, and other operational needs. Works with department Administrator to ensure compliance with City policies, ordinances, administrative regulations, and State law.
5. Aligns operational planning, policies, and procedures with the strategic direction of the department and of the City’s broader network of public information professionals.
6. Directs the implementation of short- and long-range goals for current and new programs.
7. Develops, recommends, and implements innovations and new initiatives to advance public communication and engagement on behalf of the City.
8. Represents the Chief Communications Director as needed during emergency operations center activations, on City of Austin organizational committee executive meetings, community meetings, and interdepartmental work groups as required, and during the Director’s absence.
9. Coordinates and collaborates with City departments and provides consultation on addressing communication needs on issues of concern.
10. Stays abreast of current trends, problems, and activities within the department and stakeholder groups and informs Director to facilitate decision-making.
11. Creates and edits communications to proactively promote City policies and programs to the public.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory responsibilities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of emergency operations, disaster relief, and public safety-related incidents.
• Knowledge of communications techniques, practices, and program development.
• Knowledge of strategic and fiscal planning, and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of media relations management, including social media management.
• Knowledge of community engagement practices, including best practices identified by International Association of Public Participation.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, and planning and prioritizing critical work.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting research data as it pertains to both organizational and public issues.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the general public.
• Skill in identifying and navigating a complex political environment.
• Ability to see a broad view of an issue or challenge across typical organizational lines and beyond the present and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to navigate complex relationships and influence others to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Ability to recognize, manage, and resolve conflicts and complex problems efficiently and equitably.
• Ability to identify and determine customer needs and take appropriate actions to address needs.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner that solve issues and stand the test of time.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Ability to recognize areas for improvement to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, Public Administration, or a related field, plus six (6) years of experience in communications, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-supervisory experience with a maximum substitution of one (1) year.