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.

• 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.

 

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:

• Experience in public information, social media, community outreach, or strategic communications and audience engagement.

• Experience developing public education or community outreach campaigns.

• Experience creating multimedia content, including photography, video, or graphic design.

• Experience using social media analytics and digital communication tools to evaluate engagement and effectiveness.

• Experience working in a fast-paced public-facing environment with rapidly changing priorities.

• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

• 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 depending on work demands and business needs.

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Animal Services is not a 100% remote operation. This position is considered “essential;” employees may be required to report to work when the City of Austin offices are otherwise closed (Emergencies, Bad weather, etc.).

Travel: 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 at City of Austin Driver Safety Standards.

Work Location: Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin, TX 78702
If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.
If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses.

A Criminal Background check (CBI) will be conducted.
Additional Information: Austin Public Health/Austin Animal Services’ worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH/AAS worksite – including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

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.
 

Essential Employee:
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a City-designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.

PLEASE NOTE: This posting may close any time after 7 days.

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 the position has been unposted, it will no longer be viewable.

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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. 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.

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.

• 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.