City of Austin

Public Information Request Consultant

City of Austin Austin, TX

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of related experience. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses Or Certifications

None.

Notes to Applicants

The mission of the Law Department is to provide quality legal services to the City of Austin so that it can govern lawfully with the highest level of integrity and serve the community effectively. As the chief legal advisor for the City, the Law Department provides legal advice and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Officers, City Manager, city departments, boards, and commissions of the City.

The City Attorneys’ Office is committed to providing excellent, timely, and cost-effective legal advice to our clients to support their efforts to serve the citizens of Austin. The Law Department is organized into seven legal practice divisions. Although the department’s attorneys are assigned to practice in a specific division, they are trained to have a general knowledge of municipal law practice because many legal issues cross practice areas. The Law Department has a diverse staff of talented professionals with the expertise to provide comprehensive legal services for the wide variety of legal issues facing our city.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.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. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.A resume is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application.Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.These will be considered incomplete applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.Please include contact information from previous employers.

If you are selected for hire:Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Pay Range

Commensurate

Hours

Monday - Friday (hours may vary based on departmental needs and may require time in the office).

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Close Date 07/08/2024 Type of Posting External Department Law Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with GovQA software.
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience working with the Texas Open Records Act and processing Public Information Request.
  • Experience in a high-volume deliverable environment.
  • Experience working with databases and other technology to track and compile information.
  • Data analysis experience.
  • Experience creating training curriculum and conducting training courses. Experience working as a lead.
  • Experience working in a political environment.
  • Experience working with legal staff.
  • Advanced experience with Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

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 judgement and initiative are required in resolving problems and making recommendations. Assigns public information requests citywide. Audits submissions of public information requests to ensure compliance with policies, procedures and City, State, and Federal laws. Coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders regarding public information initiatives and submissions to meet guidelines and goals. Communicates with external stakeholders regarding submitting public information requests and release of responsive information. Establishes program methods and ensures compliance with laws, including redaction and reporting requirements. Interprets and provides guidance on, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process workflows, and regulations. Resolves non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving discrepancies, complaints, and disputes between involved parties. Works with City staff and other entities to negotiate agreements and assist with resolving appeals and claims related to public information requests. Provides training and consulting expertise to internal and external customers regarding public information processes, procedures, and policies. Reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data. Develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.

Responsibilities- Supervision And/or Leadership Exercised

May provide leadership, work assignments, training, and guidance to 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, and media relations programs.
  • Knowledge of the functions and organization of municipal government to include the relationships between departments, divisions, and agencies.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws.
  • Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
  • Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures, statutes, and ordinances.
  • 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA

The 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.

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.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * Describe your experience in managing and processing public information request.

  • The Public Information Request Coordinator minimum requirements are graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

(Open Ended Question)

  • Describe your experience with GovQA.

(Open Ended Question)

  • Describe your experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and SharePoint applications.

(Open Ended Question)

  • Describe your experience working as a lead.

(Open Ended Question)

  • Describe your experience in working with a decentralized model associated with a process to gather information.

(Open Ended Question)

  • Give your history and experience in gathering and analyzing data.

(Open Ended Question)

  • Describe your experience writing curriculum and conducting training for groups and one-on-one.

(Open Ended Question)

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents
  • Seniority level

    Associate
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
  • Industries

    Public Policy Offices

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