Public Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

GRADE: 15

SALARY: $54,340 - $85,150

POSITION TITLE: Public Relations Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Office of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives

REPORTS TO: Public Information Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing proactive public relations and communication strategies, through traditional and digital media, that enhances public awareness, promotes public safety initiatives, strengthens community trust, and supports the mission of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Employees also assist with emergency communications, critical incident response, and media coordination during crime incidents. This position participates in an on-call rotation to provide communication support outside normal business hours.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Essential Functions

·         Develops and implements proactive public relations strategies supporting departmental priorities and public safety initiatives.

·         Researches, writes, edits, and distributes press releases, media advisories, feature stories, newsletters, executive correspondence, website content, social media content and messaging, and other public communication materials, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility requirements by preparing captions, transcripts, alternative text, accessible graphics, and other accessible communication formats.

·         Identifies opportunities to highlight organizational accomplishments, crime prevention efforts, community partnerships, employee recognition, recruiting initiatives, special events, and innovative policing programs.

·         Coordinates internal and external communication strategies in collaboration with other members of the Office of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.

·         Identify social media trends and areas of opportunity to enhance Department social media channels.

·         Ability to take photographs using a DSLR camera and on an iOS device.

·         Ability to take videos using a DSLR camera and on an iOS device.

·         Ability to coordinate, record and edit videos on iOS devices for social media.

·         Must possess knowledge and proficiency on common social media platforms to include content creation and operating analytic metrics.

·         Maintains positive working relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives.

·         Responds to media inquiries and assists with coordinating interviews, press conferences, media availability, and public information requests.

·         Updates and maintains departmental website content to ensure timely, accurate, and relevant public information.

·         Develops content calendars and communication plans supporting organizational priorities throughout the year.

·         Assists in developing communication strategies for department initiatives, community engagement efforts, public education campaigns, and special projects.

·         Must have strong organizational skills.

·         Must have strong communication skills.

·         Coordinates communication efforts with governmental agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners.

·         Attends department events, community meetings, press conferences, recruiting events, and public safety initiatives to gather information and develop communication content.

·         Collaborates with command staff and subject matter experts to ensure communication materials are accurate, timely, and consistent with departmental messaging.

·         Assists with crisis communication planning and emergency public information during major crime incidents, critical incidents and major public safety events.

·         Monitors media coverage and public information trends to identify opportunities for proactive communication and organizational improvement.

·         Assists with reputation management initiatives designed to increase public understanding and confidence in departmental services.

·         Participates in the department’s on-call rotation to provide communication support during evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency incidents.

·         Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of public relations principles, media relations, strategic communications, and community engagement practices.

·         Knowledge of journalism standards, news writing, AP Style, and professional communication techniques.

·         Knowledge of social media platforms, digital communications, website content management systems, and emerging communication technologies.

·         Knowledge of public safety communication principles and crisis communication strategies.

·         Knowledge of marketing and public awareness campaign development.

·         Ability to communicate effectively through written, verbal, and digital communication methods.

·         Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate communication materials under tight deadlines.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, community organizations, elected officials, department personnel, and the public.

·         Ability to organize multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

·         Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion regarding confidential or sensitive information.

·         Ability to remain calm and communicate effectively during emergency situations.

·         Experience writing press releases, feature stories, executive correspondence, and strategic communication plans.

·         Experience developing communication strategies across multiple digital and social media platforms.

·         Experience collaborating with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to develop integrated communication campaigns.

·         Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar communication and design software preferred.

·         Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during crime or critical incidents.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

·         Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

·         Position requires on-call rotation and willing to work after-hours, weekends and holidays as needed.

Knowledge:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Broadcasting, Mass Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:  

·         Two years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, public affairs, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Environment:

·         Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent attendance at community events, press conferences, meetings, and emergency scenes.

• Work may require standing for extended periods, traveling to various locations, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:  

●    Personal Computer

●    Telephone

●    Cell Phone

●    Copier/Fax Machine

●    Vehicle

PHYSICAL/VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, talk, and hear.

This position requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and the ability to bring objects into sharp focus, while reading from a computer screen.

The job has light physical demand (primarily sedentary) requiring the employee to exert negligible force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the normal course of routine office activities.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The job description does not necessarily contain all of the actual or essential duties of this position.  All job offers are contingent upon passing a medical evaluation/drug screen, psychological exam, and criminal background check.

Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  

"Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.

Welcome to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the home to some of the nation’s finest police officers and civilian employees. Established in 1808, our Department has a rich history and many traditions. We strive to provide the city of St. Louis with the highest level of police service.

Our department is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and we are committed to community policing. Our workforce is made up of over 400 civilian employees and 1,100 sworn officers. Our police officers interact daily with citizens and they have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of St. Louisans. We believe policing is one of the most rewarding and noble professions.

Company Description

Welcome to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the home to some of the nation’s finest police officers and civilian employees. Established in 1808, our Department has a rich history and many traditions. We strive to provide the city of St. Louis with the highest level of police service.\r\rOur department is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and we are committed to community policing. Our workforce is made up of over 400 civilian employees and 1,100 sworn officers. Our police officers interact daily with citizens and they have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of St. Louisans. We believe policing is one of the most rewarding and noble professions.