Job Summary

The department is requesting a Community Liaison to create and conduct systematic education campaigns and conduct public outreach with effective messaging. This position will help us craft and execute our client messaging so that it is conveyed effectively across all forms of media. The Community Liaison will create and facilitate ongoing public education campaigns such as what to do in an emergency and how to be resilient

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first of two jobs within the Community Liaison series of the Management job family. Incumbents in this classification represents the community and is the primary contact between the local agencies. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develops strong community relationships. Serves as a liaison between the community and the local agencies as appropriate. Coordinates and represents the agencies with neighborhood associations, groups, community members, clubs, schools and other community organizations. Coordinates and attends planning meetings, community meetings, groups and forums, and interacts with policy makers.
• Coordinates public information plans and strategies. Participates in developing materials used in publications and promotional projects. Creates, designs and maintains all marketing communications. Coordinates with local print and electronic media for distribution of announcements. Assists in strategic planning, facilitating program development, project fundraising and grant proposals.
• Maintains close coordination with the community. Meets individually and works closely with participating groups, community members and organization representatives. Represents the public and media relations within the community. Serves on local boards and/or councils. Interacts with city, County and state government representatives. Oversees collaboration with various institutions and officials.
• Provides information to community members, parents, departmental clientele, outside agencies, other County staff and officials, and the general public. Provides technical assistance and community advocacy for various issues. Promotes community-wide and public/private partnerships and collaborations. Receives and processes incoming correspondence, telephone and email messages as appropriate.
• Prepares and conducts presentations to the Commissioners Court, other policy makers and community groups and organizations. Attends staff meetings and special events, as required. Assists with community presentations and public educational events.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Communication, Public Relations or a directly related field AND three (3) years progressively responsible relevant work experience in public information, public relations, public affairs/community relations/outreach or similar such program experience;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Community organizations and agencies.
• Public relations principles, practices and techniques.
• Organizing events or workshops.
• County public relations strategies and practices.
• Public relations and promotional methods.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
  
  

Skill in:

• Public speaking.
• Conflict resolution and community relations.
• Both verbal and written communications.
  
  

Ability to:

• Work in highly visible position.
• Manage highly sensitive issues while subject to public scrutiny.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted.
• Make effective presentations before various audiences.
• Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Use proper English, including grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and organization.
• Communicate and interact effectively with a wide variety of people, elected officials, other County departments, local agencies, state agencies, news media organizations, private organizations, special interest groups and the general public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.
  
  

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. May be subject to contact with dust and exposure to extreme temperature/weather change including wet and/or humidity weather.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Department: Transportation and Natural Resources

Location: 700 Lavaca St, Austin, TX

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.