Public Information Specialist Senior, Austin Aviation

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist Senior, Austin Aviation

Description

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 - anchors in delivering 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.

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.

Job Description:

Public Information Specialist Senior

Purpose:

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.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May train and lead others.
  

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.
  
• 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.
  

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 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.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working as a spokesperson to the press for a large organization (1,000+ employees).
  
• Experience project managing media events.
  
• Strong writing skills to include experience writing press releases, memos, fact sheets and other communication pieces for external audiences.
  
• Experience serving as a PIO in a Joint Information System and familiarity with NIMS and Incident Command System practices for disseminating information during emergencies.
  
• Ability to work after-hours and serve on a 24/7 one week on-call rotation.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

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 serve as a media spokesperson for the airport, one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. You'll bring strong writing skills to draft press releases, interview talking points, media statements, Frequently Asked Question documents and other materials that help drive awareness to the airport's operations, offerings and programs. 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 and the ability to respond in person to the airport after hours in the event of an emergency.

Aviation. Salary Range: $32.96 - $41.20 per hour

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.

Skills Assessment:

A skills assessment/s will be required for this position.

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.

Application Information:

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Please list your complete employment history, to include all job duties, responsibilities and employment dates on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (i.e., “see resume” or “see LinkedIn profile”). Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary. Supplemental information or changes to your application will not be accepted after the job posting closes. The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date and the final day to apply will be at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

Department may close this job posting at any time after 7 days

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Veteran:

Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Criminal History Records Check:

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 10-year criminal background check and security threat assessment.

GOOD STANDING - DEPARTMENT/DIVISION EMPLOYEES

Employees, in good standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employees must remain in good standing through the top candidate selection phase at which time the good standing status will be re-verified.

Overtime:

Overtime may be required with or without notice.

Language:

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

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00pm

Hours may change according to departmental needs; work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekend work.

Benefits:

Working with Aviation provides a number of health and welfare benefits see City of Austin Promotional Benefits Overview and click HERE to learn more.

See us in action: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport - AUS - YouTube

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-09