Public Safety Information Officer

City of Annapolis•Annapolis, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

With minimal oversight, this civilian role serves as a bridge between the Annapolis Police Department, the community, and the media, ensuring the public is well-informed about the department's initiatives, achievements, and stance on contemporary matters. Duties include strategizing, researching, crafting, and circulating public information, press releases, public service announcements, promotional content, and educational resources. Additionally, the position entails daily social media updates with a police report and email distribution list management. Furthermore, involvement in recruitment media activities is part of the responsibilities. Reporting to the Office of the Chief, the role also encompasses other relevant tasks as needed. This is an exempt position and quasi essential job working 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Knowledge of pertinent City, State and Federal regulations.
Knowledge of advertising and publicity techniques.
Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of public relations, marketing and communications.
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and the democratic political process.
Knowledge of the principles of governmental organization, regulations, laws and administration as it relates to the position.
Knowledge of social media platforms such as, but not limited to Nextdoor, TikTok and Snapchat.
Skilled in the proper methods and techniques of researching, preparing and disseminating public information for a government agency clearly and calmly in a variety of situations both routine and emergency in nature.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches.
Skill and familiarity with data entry on a computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.
Skilled in the use of, and posting on, Facebook and Twitter platforms.
Skill using sound judgment, tact and courtesy.
Skill in developing and maintaining cooperative and professional relationships with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and organizations.
Skilled in planning and organizing daily work routine, prioritizing and reprioritizing as needed.
Excellent ability to communicate ideas and proposals effectively to diverse audiences to include preparing and presenting a wide variety of related community/public relation materials.
Ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
Ability to present complex concepts effectively either orally or in writing.
Ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed and accuracy.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions.
Ability to and willingness to learn and perform a wide variety of assigned tasks.
Ability to get along well with others.
Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, journalism, mass communications, public administration, public policy or a related field and two (2) years of verifiable professional experience as a public information officer preferably for an emergency services government agency, or a civilian company; or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains effective and productive working relationships with media representatives (TV, print, radio, social media, etc.), public officials, public agency representatives, special interest groups and the general public.
Plans, researches, develops, coordinates and implements programs, events, strategies and activities to promote a positive image of the Police Department.
Researches available resources and best practice initiatives for communicating police events and other information to the public.
Manages media relations for the department responding to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive and controversial matters.
Manages the Department’s social media presence.
Maintains Police Department section of the City’s website to ensure it is up to date and relevant.
Coordinates news conferences.
Develops and issues news releases, statements, fact sheets and other informational materials.
Serves as a resource for and coaches Department employees with media inquiries as needed.
Monitors news coverage of City activities, programs, policies and actions.
Maintains file of media regarding the Department.
Interacts with professional and technical staff, community groups, other government agencies, businesses, and other sources to keep the public informed of pertinent incidents, situations or events.
Conducts television, radio, newspaper or social media interviews as directed.
Coordinates with other local, State and federal public information personnel.
Attends meetings as directed.
Establishes and maintains a historical record of significant Department related events and activities.
Assists with requests covered by the Maryland Public Information Act.
Performs related duties as required.