Public Information Associate (Public Safety Information Officer) - University Police

Public Information Associate (Public Safety Information Officer) - University Police

Hiring Department: University Police

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1021038

Posting Close Date: 7/16/2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

The Public Information Associate (Public Safety Information Officer) is responsible for the dissemination of information to constituents and campus news outlets in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, campus policies and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services (OVCAS) procedures. Will serve as a point of contact with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communication on public safety messaging, submissions of news stories and alerts for campus and community release, will be available on-call as incidents develop, make recommendations on communications strategies, draft communications, update web pages and social media accounts, and consult with and assist OVCAS staff regarding media and public requests for police information, reports and statistical data. The Public Safety Information Officer will review all written communications generated relating to public safety prior to its release, will work directly with the Public Information Specialist: Marketing Outreach Manager for final review of branding and communications standards. Public Safety staff will not release information if the Public Safety Information Officer is not available for review.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Draft communications and alerts, make recommendations on communications strategies and work with Police and OVSMC staff on communicating public safety messages to the campus community and external stakeholders. Also works directly with Public Information Specialist: Marketing Outreach Manager for final review of branding and communications standards to ensure compliance. Update web pages and monitor social media presence in conjunction with OVCAS staff. Handle requests for information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.

• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.

• Experience in public safety, police or emergency management settings.

Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of media production, including social media platforms and efficiency of use, social media analytics and publishing tools, communication, and dissemination techniques.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) Style.

• Knowledge of public relations techniques and tactics.

• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, including applications and programming and for setting up functions, entering data or processing information.

• Knowledge of professional applications of research and writing skills.

• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.

• Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.

• Skill in creating and launching geo-targeted social media campaigns.

• Skill in organizing and managing live online events (Facebook Live, Twitter Q&A's, Reddit AMA, etc.

• Ability to interpret, condense, and edit information for various media formats.

• Ability to establish long-range objectives and specify the strategies and actions to achieve them.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation