Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Coordinate, establish, and maintain two-way communication between the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) and its various external and internal customers, clients, and media; develop and implement public information and customer service plans; develop press releases, social media content, and respond to media inquiries; conduct community education and public relations activities; convey department messages to the public and employees utilizing applicable communications tools; respond to major incidents, such as natural disasters, major crimes, and other emergencies; perform other duties as assigned.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Chief of Police.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Coordinate, establish, and maintain two-way communication between the GJPD, and its various external and internal customers; provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications in addition to communications advice and counsel to department leadership and personnel.
2. Serve as a liaison between the GJPD and members of the media; coordinate communication during emergency and non-emergency events; handle media requests and manage media access; schedule press conferences, brief spokespersons and provide interviews regarding department issues and activities.
3. Coordinate and participate in public meetings and open house programs to promote department services; provide public education and information; create and implement programs, citizen outreach activities, and special events.
4. Prepare written material for the department including blog and social media posts, press releases, newsletters, presentations, and public service announcements; take photographs of various events and occasions; oversee writing, design, and printing functions.
5. Serve as department representative on a variety of internal and external committees; attend meetings, presentations, and other functions.
6. Anticipate and respond to questions and concerns from the general public regarding programs, services, issues, and work plans; provide information as requested in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
7. Develop and maintain information on the assigned intranet and internet websites, as well as multiple social media platforms; monitor and respond as appropriate to public commentary, media coverage, and other messaging about and reflecting on GJPD; anticipate negative news coverage and plan accordingly; leverage local coverage based on regional and national trends reported in media.
8. Collaborate with City department communications staff as well as outside agencies in response to emergencies, non-emergencies, and special projects; prepare communications, messages, and promotional items.
9. Gather information and prepare a variety of reports and records; maintain logs and records of activities and events.
10. Establish and maintain favorable relationships with local community groups, school organizations, health care and other caregiving organizations, business associations, local government officials and agencies, and individuals to foster understanding.
11. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Police department operations and services.
Principles and practices of media and public relations.
Expertise in management and use of social media platforms and scheduling tools.
Effective communication and public speaking techniques.
Effective technical and news writing skills.
Principles and applications of graphic design and layout.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Effective social media skills.
Basic video and audio production and editing.
Effective crisis communications skills and techniques.
Principles and practices of NIMS and ICS.
Ability to:
Develop clear, concise, and comprehensive public information materials.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, media, and City employees.
Write and/or edit written materials for publication.
Develop relevant, creative content and graphics for social media.
Identify opportunities to publicize department programs.
Prepare and conduct presentations.
Elicit community and organizational support for the department.
Work closely with management staff in the development of public communications plans.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Provide on-camera and radio interviews.
Respond to scenes at various times of the day or night when requested.
Manage multiple project deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible communications and public relations-related experience.
Training:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communication studies, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.
Some assignments in this classification require specialty certifications related to the area of assignment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Local and non-local travel
High noise levels, extremes of heat and cold
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee will be exposed to varying weather conditions that may be hot, cold, or wet and may be called to emergency or nonemergency scenes at all hours. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.