Public Information Specialist

Public Information Specialist, Austin Animal Services (Support Services Division)
About This Position
This position serves as a public information and communications professional for Austin Animal Services, developing and implementing public information, social media, digital communications, and community outreach efforts that educate and engage the public and support departmental programs and priorities. The position develops and distributes timely, accurate, and accessible information; manages and evaluates social media and digital content; coordinates public outreach and education initiatives; responds to emerging communication needs; and works closely with staff and leadership to translate operational information into effective public messaging.
This position works within an active animal shelter, the successful candidate must be comfortable working around and interacting with dogs, cats, and other animals. The position will have opportunities to be in animal care areas, capture photos and videos, highlight adoptable pets, showcase staff and programs, and turn the day-to-day work of the shelter into compelling stories that educate and engage the community.
 
Job Description:
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.
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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.
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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.
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Assists in the planning and development of advertising, promotional campaigns, strategies.
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Provides event coordination services, such as arranging facilities, contacting media, inviting all appropriate groups and individuals, etc.
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Designs, researches, writes, and edits newsletters; releases for internal or external use.
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Develops and updates intranet and internet web sites.
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Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
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Designs and maintains databases, such as mailing lists, association and organization lists, etc.
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Receives, investigates, and answers questions from external media and public. Serves as liaison for media and general public.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
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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.
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Knowledge of public information, marketing, public relations, media relations programs.
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Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government, to include the relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.
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Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
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Knowledge Federal, State and Local laws.
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Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
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Skill in oral and written communication.
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Skill in handling multiple projects and prioritizing.
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Skill in using computers and related software.
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Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
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Skill in planning and organizing.
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Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.
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Ability to write articles for publication.
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Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
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Ability to lead and train others.
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Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
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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
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Four (4) years of experience in developing and implementing programs of public information.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.
 
Notes to Candidate:
This position serves as a public information and communications professional for Austin Animal Services, developing and implementing public information, social media, digital communications, and community outreach efforts that educate and engage the public and support departmental programs and priorities. The position develops and distributes timely, accurate, and accessible information; manages and evaluates social media and digital content; coordinates public outreach and education initiatives; responds to emerging communication needs; and works closely with staff and leadership to translate operational information into effective public messaging.
This position works within an active animal shelter, the successful candidate must be comfortable working around and interacting with dogs, cats, and other animals. The position will have opportunities to be in animal care areas, capture photos and videos, highlight adoptable pets, showcase staff and programs, and turn the day-to-day work of the shelter into compelling stories that educate and engage the community.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience in public information, social media, community outreach, or strategic communications and audience engagement.
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Experience developing public education or community outreach campaigns.
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Experience creating multimedia content, including photography, video, or graphic design.
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Experience using social media analytics and digital communication tools to evaluate engagement and effectiveness.
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Experience working in a fast-paced public-facing environment with rapidly changing priorities.
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Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
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TX Driver license.
Who Are We?
Austin Animal Services’ mission is to enhance the lives of pets and people by preventing animal homelessness, to help lost pets find their way home or find new homes, to provide education and resources to preserve the human-animal bond, and to administer animal-related ordinances to ensure public and animal safety, all while achieving a 95% live outcome rate for sheltered pets.
We offer outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click City of Austin Benefits for more information.
Regarding Your 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. A cover letter and résumé are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
Pay Rate: $29.89 - $37.37
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Occasional evenings, weekends and holidays for events.
Hours may vary de