Communications Specialist - I

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist is responsible for managing and executing the Travis County Fire Rescue’s public communication strategy, branding, and community engagement efforts. This position plays a critical role in shaping how the organization is perceived by the public by clearly communicating the value, professionalism, and impact of services provided to taxpayers.

The position supports the department’s mission by delivering strategic messaging across multiple platforms, ensuring the community understands the department’s contributions to public safety.

Key Responsibilities

Public Communication & Branding

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with the department’s mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance the department’s brand identity across all communication platforms
• Create clear, consistent messaging that reinforces the department’s value to the community and taxpayers
• Draft press releases, public notices, and official communications

Social Media & Digital Presence

• Manage all department social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube)
• Plan, create, and publish content that informs, educates, and engages the public
• Utilize social media management tools to integrate and streamline content across platforms
• Monitor engagement metrics and adjust strategies to improve reach and effectiveness

Media Relations

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with local and regional media outlets
• Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries as directed
• Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to highlight department initiatives, successes, and community impact
• Coordinate interviews, media briefings, and public information releases

Content Creation & Multimedia

• Develop written, visual, and video content to support communication efforts
• Capture and edit photos and videos for use in digital and traditional media
• Produce short-form and long-form video content that showcases department operations, training, and community engagement

Community Outreach & Campaigns

• Analyze demographic and community data to develop targeted outreach campaigns
• Design and coordinate public information campaigns to reach residents within the service area
• Support community engagement initiatives, events, and educational outreach programs

Vendor & Project Coordination

• Coordinate with external vendors for graphic design, printing, mailers, and other communication materials
• Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all externally produced materials
• Manage timelines and deliverables for communication-related projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
• Entry-level experience in communications, marketing, media relations, or a related area
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and social media platforms
• Experience or familiarity with social media management tools and analytics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public safety, government, or municipal communications
• Video production and editing experience (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, or similar tools)
• Graphic design experience (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Experience analyzing data to inform communication strategies and audience targeting
• Familiarity with media relations and press engagement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to the public
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Creative thinking with a strong sense of visual and narrative storytelling
• Ability to exercise initiative and operate with minimal supervision

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional field work for content capture (e.g., incidents, training, events)
• May require occasional evening or weekend work to support events or time-sensitive communications

Impact of Position

This position directly influences public perception, trust, and understanding of Travis County Fire Rescue. Effective performance will enhance community awareness and demonstrate the value of services provided to taxpayers.

Work Location: In person