Public Information & Marketing Program Manager - Austin Water

Job Description:

Public Information & Marketing Program Manager - Austin Water

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.

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up-we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Public Information & Marketing Program Manager

Purpose:

This position plans and directs public information, marketing, public relations, media relation, or public involvement programs and develops, maintains, and improves marketing initiatives. Coordinates a wide variety of personnel and programs to accomplish overall department objectives.

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.

• Develops corporate communications plans and strategies, policy development, and implementation.
  
• Reviews legislation and recommends changes.
  
• Develops program budget and guidelines.
  
• Develops and coordinates programs and projects.
  
• Develops long-range business and marketing plans. Conducts market research.
  
• Develops and implements procedures, policies, and guidelines.
  
• Designs, writes, and edits publications for internal or external use.
  
• Acts as official spokesperson for program or division (including crisis situations). Serves as liaison for department with various agencies, other city departments, city council, and other city government officials, private businesses, outside vendors, community leaders, community groups, and the general public. Serves as point of contact for city departments.
  
• Conducts public education programs and presentations. Writes and follows up on news releases.
  
• Participates in bidding processes and negotiating contracts.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
  
• Manages two major programs or one major program and one supervisor; or manages two supervisors.
  

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 and public involvement 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 of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
  
• 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 develop, coordinate and implement programs.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• 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 Journalism, Marketing, Advertising, or related field plus six (6) years of work experience two (2) of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  
• A Master's degree may substitute for two years of the required non-supervisory experience
  
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with crisis communications and Incident Command System protocols during emergency events.
  
• Skilled manager, with experience supervising communications staff to achieve strategic business objectives.
  
• Skilled at preparing and presenting complicated technical information in an easy-to-understand manner to the public, elected officials, community stakeholders, and Austin Water executives.
  
• Experience in working with cross-departmental project teams to address constituent concerns and complaints.
  
• Understanding of Capital Improvement Program elements - project delivery, construction process, identification of potential customer impacts - to effectively communicate with the public.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview: Austin Water is seeking a Public Information and Marketing Program Manager to oversee communications and outreach initiatives, particularly related to its Capital Improvements Program. The person selected for this role will oversee strategic initiatives that include targeted updates to neighborhoods impacted by water and wastewater line replacements, regular information meetings for communities surrounding Austin Water’s treatment plants, and celebrations at the commencement and conclusion of construction activities. This position will serve as a key point of contact to facilitate quick resolution of customer issues throughout the construction process. In addition, this position will support community outreach and engagement activities associated with key water supply strategies in the Water Forward Plan and serve as a member of Austin Water’s Incident Management Team during emergency events.

Pay Range: $80,490.00 - $102,200.00

Position(s) will be filled at the following location: Waller CreekCenter (WCC) 625 East 10th Street, 78701

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday with limited flexibility, occasional evening/weekend hours. Hybrid telework schedule available.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more - click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• 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.
  
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
  
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
  
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

If you are selected to interview:

• You will receive information and instructions for preparing a short presentation to be given at the time of the interview.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• 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.
  

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Travel:

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.

Essential Employee:

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

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
  
• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.
  

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

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.

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: 2026-05-27