Public Affairs Specialist

Public Affairs Specialist

Salary

$67,059.20 - $87,193.60 Annually

Location

Denton, TX

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-00409

Department

Engineering Services

Division

Engineering Administration

Opening Date

11/09/2026

Closing Date

12/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

This requisition expires on December 10, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.

Responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing clear, accurate, and timely communications related to capital improvement projects, street construction, and other public works activities. In close collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Department, this position manages social media outreach, digital engagement, and community responses to ensure residents stay informed about project timelines, traffic impacts, detours, and construction-related concerns.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Develop strategic communications to maximize engagement through news media, writing, editing, web management, marketing projects, and other public services to distribute clean communications and updates informing the public about capital projects and streets related activities.
• Develop and/or implement the public affairs communication plans and program strategies to respond promptly to community and media inquiries regarding capital projects and departmental activities.
• Engage and interact with audiences through city social media outlets to increase transparency about construction activities and project milestones.
• Assist with public affairs and media relations activities, including but not limited to City of Denton events, community outreach, video shoots, social media, and digital campaigns.
• Act as a liaison and interact with the community, including but not limited to, outside entities, businesses, non-profit agencies, community groups, and neighborhood groups to foster community relations, to enhance engagements and the understanding of capital project initiatives.
• Assist with special events and community engagement activities to develop stakeholder engagement or advance interest in the City of Denton.
• Research and gather background information for projects; produce other communication materials including brochures, flyers, talking points, memos, newsletters, social media posts, and video scripts.
• Ensure that activities and materials align with the City of Denton's brand, values and goals, and that organizational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the Capital Projects website and project pages to provide information and updates to residents.
• Assist the Capital Projects team with scheduling, coordinating, and facilitating public meetings.
• Assist with coordinating and responding to 311 requests or issues.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field; and,
• Three (3) years' experience in business administration, public administration, communications, local government, or related field.

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Government legislative processes, codes, and laws.
• Knowledge of City of Denton policies, procedures, mission, and goals.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of marketing, communication, and public administration.
• Knowledge of strategic integrated communications and use in community relations and community engagement.
• Knowledge of advanced project management principles, including the ability to manage multiple projects of diverse scope and budget.
• Skill in judgment and creativity in decision-making; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and select the most appropriate one.
• Skill at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office 365 and other software systems necessary to complete work.
• Skill in developing and implementing organizational structures, procedures, and technology.
• Skill in data analysis, development of strategic plans, problem solving and action plan execution.
• Skill for ensuring continuous improvement in processes, relationships, and cost savings.
• Ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or important presentations with customers, citizens and co-workers while maintaining poise.
• Ability to communication effectively, both oral and written forms, in a variety of circumstances using appropriate tone and appearance for the situation, and to listen intently to other points of view.
• Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton's core values.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and manage teams through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, maintain attention to details and quality, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and changing priorities in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to maneuver comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Ability to gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present data and other information in a clear and logical manner.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class "C" Driver's License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; ensure equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying no more than 10 pounds.
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours andweekends, as needed. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Denton's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.

ADA/EOE/ADEA

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

E-Verify:

The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employees authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

The City of Denton maintains competitive benefit options. Details are available here.

01

Do you believe you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree or Technical Certification
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

How many years of paid, professional-level experience do you have in this field?

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

Required Question

Employer City of Denton

Address 601 E. Hickory Street

Suite B

Denton, Texas, 76205

Phone (940) 349-8340

Website http://www.cityofdenton.com