Public Safety Communications & Outreach Manager

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

1d

About The Position

We are looking for an innovative, adaptable Public Safety Communications Manager to join our dynamic Communications and Community Relations team. This role sits within the Police Department and is both a traditional PIO who will handle day-to-day communications and a communication strategist who can shape clear, modern communication and engagement strategies—while also serving as a steady, trusted source of information during critical moments. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative position for a communicator who can think strategically, act decisively, and build strong relationships across departments and the community. You’ll manage a portfolio of public safety and emergency communications efforts, develop multimedia content across platforms, strengthen systems for timely and accurate information-sharing, and help create meaningful opportunities for public understanding and engagement. If you’re a clear, confident communicator who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings a calm presence under pressure, and cares deeply about serving the community with integrity, we encourage you to apply.

JOB SUMMARY: This position assists the Communications and Community Relations Director in leading and coordinating unified public safety and emergency communications across City departments. Develops, implements and manages effective communications and outreach systems and strategies to inform and involve the Bellingham community in the City’s public safety work with a focus on transparency and access to timely, accurate and understandable information about Citywide public safety actions and services. Leads all communications, community engagement, and outreach activities for the Police Department, including media relations, print and digital communications, special events, community engagement, and public opinion research. Serves a lead role in the City’s emergency communications team, and develops and maintains the City’s emergency communication plans, protocols, and templates. Develops and facilitates strategic communications and community relations approaches to ongoing and emerging public safety issues. Ensures the City’s commitment to equity and belonging is incorporated in communications and public outreach initiatives and actively contributes to an inclusive City. Participates in strategic planning and development of new initiatives. Contributes to Citywide communications priorities as assigned.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in communications, marketing, public relations, law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field required.
• Three years of professional experience coordinating, developing, and implementing communications, media relations, public relations and/or public engagement activities required.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check, background investigation, polygraph examination and fingerprinting.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record.
• Requires ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work to attend meetings, respond to emergencies, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Certificate of completion from Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) /Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Courses within six months of hire: IS-29.A Public Information Officer Awareness; E0105 Public Information Basics.
• Must be able to obtain Level I ACCESS operator and CJIS certification within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a government agency preferred.
• Master’s degree in related field preferred.
• Experience in law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Communications and Community Relations Director in leading and coordinating unified public safety and emergency communications across City departments.
• Develops, implements and manages effective communications and outreach systems and strategies to inform and involve the Bellingham community in the City’s public safety work with a focus on transparency and access to timely, accurate and understandable information about Citywide public safety actions and services.
• Leads all communications, community engagement, and outreach activities for the Police Department, including media relations, print and digital communications, special events, community engagement, and public opinion research.
• Serves a lead role in the City’s emergency communications team, and develops and maintains the City’s emergency communication plans, protocols, and templates.
• Develops and facilitates strategic communications and community relations approaches to ongoing and emerging public safety issues.
• Ensures the City’s commitment to equity and belonging is incorporated in communications and public outreach initiatives and actively contributes to an inclusive City.
• Participates in strategic planning and development of new initiatives.
• Contributes to Citywide communications priorities as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level