Public Information Officer

The City of Frederick•Frederick, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Working under the general supervision of the Manager of Public Affairs, the Public Information Officer is responsible for collaborating with diverse public and community representatives to plan, coordinate, and direct a comprehensive approach to communications and public relations activities. This role is a key contributor to creating communication materials and channels that promote transparency, education, and openness with the City of Frederick, especially with the Frederick Police Department. The position will engage and inform residents, property and business owners, and regional and non-profit organizations. The work requires excellent communication and customer service skills due to considerable public contact, the ability to perform assignments independently, and sound judgment. A comprehensive background investigation and subsequent polygraph(s) are required, and candidates must possess excellent moral character.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, business administration, public administration, public relations or a related field; equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of post-secondary education.
Two (2) years of experience in public relations, community development, marketing and communications, public information, or a related field.
Knowledge of and ability to use effectively several social media platforms and understanding of successful social media campaigns.
Working knowledge of Canva to develop professional-quality visual communications.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing in the English language.
Ability to effectively communicate orally via telephone, in face-to-face meetings, and to groups in the English language.
Strong proofreading and editing skills.
Organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Knowledge of various software programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe software, e-mail marketing systems and social media platforms operating in a Windows environment.
Communication and customer service skills sufficient to deal effectively with the public, vendors, and staff, using written and/or verbal communication.
Time, project management and problem-solving skills.
Ability to adapt to frequent changes in workload.
Vehicle Operator’s license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City’s insurance carrier.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/multi-lingual, with Spanish language skills highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Drafts and edits key external communication materials for the Office of Public Affairs, Frederick Police Department, and other City departments as assigned, using an engaging, concise, and appropriate tone while ensuring accuracy.
Assists in managing the Frederick Police Department's social media presence by creating content, monitoring public engagement, responding appropriately, and supporting strategic communications and crisis messaging.
Coordinates and tracks public and media inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and appropriate responses in collaboration with relevant personnel and departments.
Monitors community concerns, public sentiment, and emerging issues affecting the Police Department and communicates relevant trends and recommendations to leadership.
Develops and maintains a variety of written and digital communications, including news releases, media advisories, website content, briefing materials, reports, social media content, and other public information resources.
Assists with community engagement initiatives to strengthen relationships between the Frederick Police Department and residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and community partners.
Promotes a positive, transparent, and professional image of the Frederick Police Department and the City of Frederick through responsive, accurate, and proactive public communications.
Assists in developing and implementing communications strategies, policies, and best practices that support public information, transparency, and community engagement initiatives.
Maintains and updates media contact lists, community partner databases, communication calendars, and outreach resources.
Assists in the preparation and dissemination of news releases, media statements, and emergency public information, serving as a communications resource and backup during critical incidents.
Assists in coordinating press conferences, media briefings, community meetings, public events, and other outreach opportunities.
Leads the planning and coordination of the Frederick Police Department's annual National Night Out event and supports other community outreach initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned.