Communications Specialist

This recruitment is to fill one position at the Chico Police Department.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional and administrative activities in support of public outreach, communications, and information programs for the City's Police Department; serves as liaison between the department and other City departments, other public safety departments, professional organizations, community and industry groups, residents, the media, executives, and elected officials; develops content and continuously monitors multiple social media platforms; provides complex and responsible support to the department in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.   

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of the Police Department's public information, online communication, and social media programs. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of public outreach and community relations activities, events, and public awareness programs for the dissemination of information regarding police operations, policies, programs, and procedures, as well as critical public safety information during active incidents. 
• Serves as on-going liaison and represents the Police Department with designated governmental and education-related agencies and other industry, professional, and community groups and organizations, as well as executives, City Council, and elected officials; partners with community groups on special projects related to public relations and speaks at various community events and industry association meetings. 
• Manages relationships with community-based organizations by monitoring and participating in online conversations and helping to inform residents and answer citizen inquiries; attends meetings, answers questions, and provides information on police programs and projects; works with other City and Department staff to formulate methods and approaches for addressing community, education, and agency concerns. 
• Plans and implements strategic communications such as press releases, digital content, brochures, correspondence, and social media posts to disseminate and manage information; continuously monitors social media platforms and responds to questions from the public. 

Coordinates the Department's marketing, branding, communications strategy, social media, and content to increase visibility, followers, subscribers, and engagement across all platforms; creates, 

• Requirements of various media used in publicity and promotions work, including video and written media, as well as graphic design, artwork layout, and report formats. 
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Graphic design and video design software. 
• Communication and public information strategies including mobile, emerging, and social media platforms. 
• Generally accepted methods or practices for outbound communication campaigns. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility. 
• Techniques for effectively representing the Department in contacts with the public, governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and educational organizations. 
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to public information and community outreach programs. 
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. 
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. 

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of marketing, public information, media relations, and community relations programs.
• Methods and techniques of social media, web, and video communications. 
• Strategic communication principles and practices.
• Law enforcement and City operations, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Local community resources and regional community service programs.

Ability to: 

• Plan, research, organize, coordinate, and implement a variety of public information, media, and community outreach activities and programs.
• Develop community relations, communications, and social media programs and strategies.
• Prepare and present information in various formats and for diverse audiences.
• Plan and conduct special events.
• Write a diverse range of materials including, but not limited to, press releases and social media posts to communicate items of interest to the community.
• Implement assigned projects which utilize traditional communication methods and social media for community outreach.
• Comprehend complex questions and give information rapidly, accurately, and tactfully.
• Effectively lead internal and external communications programs. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials. 
• Understand complex technology supporting current and evolving communication platforms. 
• Organize and maintain office and specialized files. 
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Effectively represent the Department in meetings with the public, governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses and professional organizations, and in meetings with individuals. 
• Work an irregular schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• designs, and distributes promotional graphics, photos, videos, newsletters, articles, and social media posts for Department programs and services. 
• Develops and implements a comprehensive media relations program; tracks and responds to media inquiries; interacts with local and regional media to promote improved communications with press representatives; arranges logistics for press events. 
• Provides Departmental news to enhance community engagement; promotes positive community relations which are resident-focused and business friendly. 
• Participates and assists with the execution of special events including news conferences, ceremonial events, and other community awareness activities; produces informational and promotional materials; attends special events, takes photos, and transmits live streaming. 
• Manages and updates the Department's public facing and internal websites including imagery, online calendars, online news forums, forms, surveys, links, e-Notifications, and other information; provides guidance and oversight regarding website and online content; interfaces with other City departments in the preparation and dissemination of news items; provides updates to the City website for departmental press releases. 
• Develops and provides training to Department staff regarding social media practices, web page management, guidelines, and best practices; leads and coordinates the activities of the Departmental Social Media and Relations Team (SMART) and provides necessary direction and training; manages the K-9 Unit Instagram page.
• Evaluates and measures social media program success and impact; monitors trends in social media tools and applications and applies knowledge to increasing the use of social media at the Department; recommends new and alternative ways to leverage social media activities.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public information and community outreach; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to Departmental needs. 
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to public information and community outreach; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. 
• Performs a variety of clerical and administrative assignments including, but not limited to filing, departmental email processing, issuing gun purchase letters, administrative phone line support; requests nominations and creates certificates and memos for employee recognition programs; schedules and receives community appreciation gestures. 
• Responds to and conducts departmental tours for community members and various community entities. 
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to an associate degree with major coursework in telecommunications or a related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and coordination of public affairs, public information, community outreach, and social media marketing.  

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.  

Environmental Conditions:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.