Public Information Specialist - Police Department

Baltimore County•Towson, MD

About The Position

The Public Information Specialist works under general supervision in the Baltimore County Police Department’s Office of the Chief/Public Affairs Section. The role prepares information for public release and assists County agencies in developing and implementing public relations and information programs. Duties include creating video, photographic, interactive, and other multimedia content; supporting agency events and social media; advising department representatives on public information matters; and producing communications and promotional materials. The work is essentially sedentary, with some walking, standing, limited physical activity, use of office and other equipment, and possible travel between work sites. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, English, mass communications, or a closely related field, plus one year of experience in journalism, creative writing, public relations, or closely related work.
Additional experience in the specified fields may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of four years for the required education.
Education in a specified field beyond a bachelor's degree may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar and spelling; journalism writing techniques and styles; layout, paste-up, and basic graphic design; and public relations techniques.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to plan, develop, organize, and coordinate public information and public relations programs; research and organize data; write original copy; assemble, edit, and rewrite copy; prepare copy for publication; and write speeches, scripts, and news releases.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, lead and instruct others, and use desktop publishing, word processing, or typesetting equipment.
Knowledge of the department’s public information and public relations needs, effective ways to obtain publicity, and County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skill in public speaking, researching and organizing data, writing and editing copy, preparing copy for publication, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to use available media to meet departmental needs.
Skill in creating, editing, and producing video, photographic, and other multimedia content for digital and social media platforms, and developing and administering content for organizational social media and digital platforms.
Skill in conducting on-camera interviews and communicating effectively with news media about incidents, programs, and other matters of public interest.
Ability to communicate effectively and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure, rapidly developing, and sensitive situations.
Submit proof of education beyond high school and any required licenses or certifications with the application; transcripts or diplomas must show the major field of study. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
Applicants with degrees obtained outside the United States must submit degree equivalency documentation from World Education Services.

Responsibilities

Record video and edit it using Adobe Premiere Pro; create visual and interactive content for social media.
Attend, photograph, and post about public events.
Livestream agency events.
Advise department heads, agency representatives, and others on public relations and information matters.
Develop and coordinate advertising and marketing strategies.
Prepare educational and promotional materials.
Schedule the release of promotional materials and secure public service time from local broadcast media.
Write original scripts and coordinate the production and airing of public service announcements and other media programs.
Review, coordinate, rewrite, edit, and design bulletins, pamphlets, newsletters, exhibits, and other materials explaining agency programs and policies.
Research, write, and edit technical and procedural manuals.
Research and gather information for public information programs.
Take photographs for County publications.
Use desktop publishing, word processing, or typesetting equipment and Adobe Creative Suite.
Perform other related duties as required.