About the Role
The Council Communications Strategist manages media outreach, public information, and community engagement for the City Council District 1 Office. This intermediate-level role assists a City Council Member and serves as a liaison with other city organizations and agencies, chairs or facilitates citywide Boards or committees, and negotiates and resolves sensitive issues.
Responsibilities
- Prepares and reviews written correspondence, speeches, and other informational material.
- Handles public relations and develops communications and marketing strategies.
- Manages community outreach, newsletters, emails, updates, public meetings, or public forums.
- Attends meetings and provides staff assistance during meetings and attends to needs and requests of Council.
- Lead the office's digital communications strategy by planning, creating, and publishing high-quality content across multiple social media platforms.
- Create compelling visual and multimedia content, including graphic design, photography, videography, video editing, reels, and other short-form digital storytelling that aligns with the office's established brand and messaging.
- Develop innovative strategies to grow the office's digital presence by leveraging platform trends, analytics, and emerging best practices.
- Independently identify, capture, and produce content opportunities that highlight the Council Member's work, community engagement, policy initiatives, and District accomplishments.
- Draft engaging, accessible content for digital communications, including social media copy, newsletters, website content, and other public-facing materials.
- Support planning and execution of community meetings, town halls, press events, and other public engagements, including onsite photography, videography, and live content creation.
- Perform other communications and outreach duties as assigned.
Requirements
- 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.
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required.
- You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
- If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD- 214 prior to confirming a start date.
- A criminal background investigation may be required for financial responsibilities.
- Resume
- Cover letter
Skills
- Public information
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Media relations programs
- Municipal government functions and organization
- Customer service principles
- Federal, State and Local laws
- City practice, policy and procedures
- Oral and written communication
- Handling multiple projects and prioritizing
- Using computers and related software
- Data analysis and problem solving
- Planning and organizing
- Interpreting policies and guidelines
- Writing articles for publication
- Working with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities
- Leading and training others
- Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public
- Digital-first mindset
- Creating original, on-brand content across multiple social media platforms
- Portfolio showcasing photography, videography, graphic design, and video editing
- Self-starter mentality
- Ability to work independently
- Identifying storytelling opportunities
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Consistently deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision
- Proficiency with industry-standard creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, or similar multimedia production software
- Strong visual storytelling skills
- Understanding of platform-specific content strategies, audience engagement, analytics, and emerging social media trends
- Strong organizational skills
- Sound judgment
- Attention to detail
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
- Commitment to collaboration, public service, and community engagement
- Passion for communications, digital media, journalism, public affairs, government, and community organizing
- Knowledge of Austin's political landscape
- Familiarity with local, state, and national public policy issues
Location
- Austin City Hall
- Telework opportunities are available
Work Type
- Full-time
- Evenings and weekends will be required
Experience Level
- Intermediate level role
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration or Public Administration
- Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years
Salary/Compensations
- $73,000 - $84,500 annually
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision
- Paid leave time
- Highly competitive retirement plan
- Training opportunities
- Generous leave
- Work-life balance programs
- Extensive benefits
- City of Austin Employees' Retirement System
- Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure
- Wellness programs
- On-site fitness centers
- Mental health support
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
About the Company
- 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.
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
