Public Information Specialist Senior (Social Media)

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

• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgment and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Primary responsibility for larger individual projects or act as an account representative for client departments and programs.
• Develops long-range strategic plans.
• 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.
• Coordinates public relations duties to include: public and school education, presentations, tours of public facilities, and requests for information from the general public.
• Designs, researches, writes and edits newsletters and releases for internal or external use.
• Produces public service announcements and videos for promotional use., The Public Information Specialist, Senior joins the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s public relations program, which is housed within the Public Information and Marketing Division.

In this role, you will you serve as the social media manager for AUS, one of the fastest-growing airports in the country; You’ll bring strong writing skills and content creation skills to plan, execute, and analyze multimedia content across AUS social media pages. You’ll lead building goodwill with customers and community members by responding to comments and DMs. You’ll play a central role in the Journey With AUS program by bringing behind-the-scenes content, event recaps, event promotional content, construction alerts and program updates to social media.

You will serve as a member of the Public Information’s Office on-call PIO team and crisis communications team, which require an attention for detail, calmness under pressure and the ability to respond to in-person airport emergencies outside of regular business hours.

Work Hours:

Monday - Friday / 8 AM - 5 PM - On-site

Hours may change depending on departmental needs.

Work hours may include after-hours, holidays, and weekend work.

On Call/Call Back Responsibilities:

This position will serve as an on-call Public Information Officer at least once a month during a full week to include after-hours and weekends., This position requires traveling to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties. A driving record verification will be conducted. If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations. Go to the Driver Safety Program for more information:

http://cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/departments/hrm/risk/downloads/rmm_vol4_ds

Essential Personnel:

This position is categorized as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to come to work during emergencies or bad weather at the airport if they are scheduled to work and, in some cases, when they are not scheduled., Teleworking and remote work is not a part of this role’s regular schedule. Employees in good standing with regard to performance and behavior may telework on an as-needed basis with proactive communication and approval from their supervisor.

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 principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks 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., * 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., * Demonstrated experience in crafting, scheduling, and optimizing high-impact content across major platforms (e.g., X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook). Proficiency in multimedia tools-such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Premiere Rush/Pro) or Canva-is essential for producing professional-grade graphics and short-form video content on tight deadlines.
• A solid foundation in public sector or corporate communications, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics and high-pressure environments. Candidates must understand how to maintain institutional tone, manage public sentiment, and execute rapid-response protocols during unplanned events or service disruptions.
• Proven ability to translate social media metrics into actionable insights.
• Experience in actively monitoring online conversations and fostering positive, professional interactions with a diverse public audience.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to adapt complex, technical, or bureaucratic information into accessible, engaging, and brand-aligned content. The candidate must have a rigorous eye for detail, ensuring all posts adhere to organizational style guides, accessibility standards (ADA compliance), and legal requirements., The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 10-year criminal background check and security threat assessment.

Language:

Must have the ability to read, write, and fluently speak in English.

Salary: $32.96 - $41.20 per hour, * 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.

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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.

Owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is an economic engine, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region. Now, as we build the airport’s largest improvement program in its history, we are redefining the travel experience in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team behind Journey With AUS, the airport’s expansion and development program, where bold ideas, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a shared commitment to excellence are taking flight., 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 - that anchor our delivery of 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., This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.

Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.

The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.

Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country-rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes-Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.

There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.

City Government

The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.

The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.