Public Information Officer

GENERAL PURPOSE: This is a professional staff position performing a full range of public relations/ strategic communications/ marketing and advisory duties. Collaboratively and strategically works to promote a positive image of the police department through traditional and social media. Responsible for responding to media partners in line with Department and city media strategy, as well as writing compelling content on police department issues, projects, and priorities. Prepares internal and external communications for print, radio, television, email, digital communications, social media, and video. Accomplishes communications and engagement needs aimed at a variety of audiences utilizing a variety of methods.

The Salary range for this position is $82,045.69-$110,757.71. This position has a hiring range of $85,000-$98,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Selection process timeline
Alternate dates for testing and interviews are not available

• Position Closes: November 15 at 9:00AM MST
• Oral Board Interview: TBD
• Conditional Job Offer / Background Investigation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Address day-to-day requests from the media, city manager, city leadership, department director, and department management team.
• Serve as an advisor to the Chief of Police to include but not limited to both internal and external communication issues.
• Respond with urgency and accuracy to media and public inquiries in coordination with the Loveland Police Department, LPD Command Staff, City of Loveland’s Office of Community Engagement team, and other departments; including timely, on-scene response, when warranted.
• Develops innovative strategies to expand positive communication and outreach with stakeholders, and track and monitor effectiveness of community engagement strategies.
• Create and maintain up to date media lists and manage routine outreach.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with journalists on a local, state, and national level.
• Prepare LPD staff for media interviews.
• Provides on-camera interviews with news media after consultation or at the direction of the Chief of Police or designee.
• Handle news monitoring processes; create reports and share relevant news with LPD Command Staff and city leaders.
• Research, draft, and edit high-quality content including, but not limited to, news releases, media advisories, announcements, newsletters, internal communications, articles, statements, social media posts, and quotations for officials.
• Consults with LPD command staff, or the investigating officer, to release information of public concern, crime prevention or requests for public assistance. Keeps command staff and city leadership promptly updated regarding coordination of information dissemination.
• Identify and proactively promote police stories to the media.
• Work closely with the City of Loveland’s Office of Community Engagement team on joint projects and strategies.
• Execute deliverables independently while monitoring a strong team relationship.
• Perform other duties as assigned, such as special projects and review of policies and procedures commensurate with their experience level in the field of policing

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor social media for online content relevant to the Police Department regarding any issues of public safety in Loveland.
• Provide training to department members on public information release, the use of social media avenues, and effectively providing presentations.
• Manages special outreach and engagement events such as forums, open houses, programs and projects that result in positive communication and media coverage.
• Leads, develops, and administers community surveys and monitoring of department performance measures and strategic plan initiatives.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

This position may supervise City employee(s) in furtherance of the strategic communication mission, such social media specialists, interns, and volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skill & Ability:

• Ability to listen to and understand the community needs and translate those needs to the department.
• Knowledge of City Departments, operations, processes, functions, and community needs as related to municipal government and policing. Working knowledge of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA).
• Ability and knowledge to prepare information for media using industry-accepted conventions.
• Ability to effectively edit written materials and make effective written and verbal presentations.
• Ability to use computers and a variety of software application packages and working knowledge of all social media avenues (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
• Uses desktop publishing techniques and software to help with production of various communications (i.e. Canva, Adobe, and video editing platforms).
• Work a majority of time without direct supervision.

• Oral communication skills sufficient to receive and accurately follow orders as well as communicate information to groups of varying size and knowledge.
• Ability to shoot photos and live video images to enhance communication during emergency and special events.

• Ability to write in Associated Press style.

• Learn and apply technical terminology and information specifically related to law enforcement.
• Effectively and discreetly handle confidential information, multiple work assignments, and meet strict deadlines.
• Executive law enforcement experience in sensitive internal investigations and ability to advise the Chief of police in ongoing policies that supports the mission of the Loveland Police Department is strongly desired.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and must be able to respond outside of regular work hours in emergency situations.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, broadcasting, video production, and/or a bachelor’s degree with relevant law enforcement experience. Master’s Degree preferred. Government and/or police experience preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in policing, journalism, communications, and/or public information preferred.

Material and Equipment Directly Used: Personal computer, copier/scanner/printer, telephone, cellular telephone, other office equipment, digital camera and professional camcorder, passenger vehicle.

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work performed in a typical office environment requiring extensive sitting, reaching, and repetitive keyboard motions. Must be able to lift and transport files weighing up to 25 pounds. Various work environments including indoor and outdoor scenes in a variety of weather and environmental and topographical conditions.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY APPLY FOR FUTURE OPENINGS.

Conditional employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of an extensive criminal background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination and drug screen.

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• City of Loveland

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