Public Information Specialist Senior - Austin Facilities Management

Austin Facilities Management (AFM) is growing quickly. Since 2021, our workforce has grown from 189 to 377 employees, and the square footage we manage has grown from 4,322,151 to 7,562,724 sq ft. We have a new Strategic Plan, and communication is central to carrying it out. We are looking for a Public Information Specialist Senior to build and run how AFM communicates with its own employees and with the City departments we serve.

In this role, you will develop AFM’s communications plan around the Strategic Plan priorities and run a two-way internal communication model, so information flows down from leadership and staff feedback has a real path back up. You will write and distribute newsletters, updates, and web and intranet content. You will act as the day-to-day communications liaison to our partner departments, including during facility transitions and service changes.

When needed, you will also communicate with the public about the public-facing facilities AFM now manages. In addition, you will plan all-hands meetings, employee appreciation events, and facility tours, and serve as backup for public information requests. The ideal candidate is a clear writer and a good listener who can build trust with staff at every level and communicate calmly and clearly under tight timelines.

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.

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.

May train and lead others.

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.

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…