Police Media and Communications Coordinator

Performs mid-level (complex) work. Responsible for managing media relations. Preparing and distributing information in writing and orally to the media and the public. Responds to media requests for information. Serves as liaison for media and public. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Required Additional Documents

• Hiring Process Letter
• Background Waiver

• Performs media relations duties for news releases and answer questions from media.
• Performs and coordinates public relations duties presentations tours of the police facility and requests for information from the public not related to open records.
• Coordinate as needed with the city public information employees.
• Conducts outreach to community groups by attending events meeting interacting with citizens in person and in writing.
• Maintain and update police department web site.
• Directs the operation maintenance content and updates of department social media accounts.
• Provides event coordination services such as arranging facilities contacting media inviting all appropriate groups and individuals.
• Produces public service announcements and videos and photography for promotional use.
• Assists in the planning development and production of advertising promotional campaigns and strategies for distribution and placement of the material.
• Writes plans organizes directs coordinates and edits articles newsletters or other publications.
• Maintains information for contacting media associations and organizations.
• Responds to breaking news and critical incidents to advise on the communication of information to the public.
• Provide technical support and training to other department employees regarding social media communication.
• May assist the fire department and emergency management with communication during critical incidents and with special projects.
• Assists in researching issues and writing speeches and communications for the command staff and developing talking points for community engagement.
• Makes budget recommendations regarding public safety communication initiatives that may require fiscal resources.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Bachelors degree in public relations journalism marketing media studies or communication.
• A minimum of two years of experience in mass communications public relations advertising journalism marketing or publicity.

• Texas Class C Drivers license or equivalent from any other US State.

• Experience working for a city state or federal entity.
• Videography experience.
• Digital photography and photo editing experience
• Graphic design experience.
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Three years or more of experience in mass communications public relations advertising journalism marketing or publicity.

• Knowledge of public information marketing public relations and media relations programs.
• Communicate effectively in all mediums.
• Formal and proper usage of the English language regarding verbal usage grammar spelling punctuation and vocabulary.

• Skill and ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects.

• Excellent customer service skills in emotionally or politically charged environments.

• Ability to write articles for publication.
• Knowledge of Associated Press and design and typographic principles.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in researching issues including data analysis and problem solving.

• Municipal police administration and organization.
• City and departmental policies and procedures.
• All appropriate criminal laws including city ordinances appropriate administrative laws and case law.
• Perform computer tasks effectively and maintain acceptable operational knowledge of standard software programs utilized by the department.
• Normal speech normal or corrected vision and normal or corrected hearing.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Working environment:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives; loud noises risk of radiation and vibration in unpredictable and varying amounts at crime and emergency incident scenes. Minimal exposure to hazardous materials body fluids body decay odor crimes at industrial sites with broken or moving equipment or any illegal drug manufacture locations. Continued danger at a scene if a suspect returns to scene or at any emergency response scenario. Work environment may be uncomfortable: not able to sit down temperature insects cramped spaces. Outdoor scenes could include very high temperatures without shade animals or extensive search locations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.