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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Public Information Specialist
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 17371 Salary Grade: QD2
Approved: August 01, 2006 Last Revised: May 12, 2023

Purpose:
 

Under general supervision, 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Assists in the planning and development of advertising/promotional campaigns/strategies.
4. Provides event coordination services i.e., arrange facilities, contact media, invite all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
5. Designs, researches, write and edit newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
6. Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites.
7. Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
8. Designs and maintains databases i.e., mailing lists, association & organization lists, etc.
9. 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.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.