Public Information & Community Engagement Specialist

A Public Information and Community Engagement Specialist at the Kyle Police Department is under the direction of the Chief of Police or his designee. This is a civilian position and aids in the planning, developing, implementing, and managing of the dissemination of news and information (verbal and written) to the public, Kyle Police Department (KPD) employees, and the media regarding departmental and/or City-wide programs. This position establishes and ensures a persistent messaging and branded appearance of content on various KPD platforms, including but not limited to social media posts and printed and electronic publications and news releases. This position accomplishes communications and engagement needs for a variety of media methods for the police department. This position responds to and coordinates media relations for critical incidents and navigates crisis communications. This position will require candidates to be flexible to work after hours and/or on weekends in response to critical and/or emergency situations.

• Under general guidance from the Chief of Police or his designee, assists with all aspects of the police department's public relations strategies that will influence public opinion, promote department ideas or services, and ensure an ongoing community policing philosophy.
• Assists in researching issues and writing speeches and communications for the Chief of Police and develops talking points for Public Information officers and Community Engagement.
• Develops and monitors effectiveness of communications of informational campaigns, special events, and promotional activities for the police department to build a positive rapport with the community.
• Maintain media contacts; foster an effective working relationship with the media; gather and compile statistical and other information and provide such verified information to the media on a pro-active basis as it relates to community affairs.
• Develop plans or materials to communicate activities undertaken by the department that are beneficial to public safety or other critical social issues.
• Arrange public appearances, lectures, or exhibits for the public to increase service awareness or promote goodwill.
• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Provide requested public records to the news media after proper information has been redacted under the Texas Public Records Law and released by the Records Division or Chief of Police.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of departmental policies, rules, regulations, administrative orders, and memoranda to answer inquiries from the media or public.
• Write compelling press releases or other media communications and prepare information for media kits; prepare or edit agency communications (e.g., employee newsletters, annual reports, PSA's, videos, brochures) for internal or external audiences.
• Assist in crisis communication and public safety communication efforts.
• Assist in the coordination of ceremonial functions, both internal and external; conduct public speaking engagements at public events.
• Attend conferences, training classes, and workshops to keep abreast of new trends in Public Information dissemination through all platforms and outlets.
• Writes memos, news release letter, reports, and project updates as required during business.
• Assists in completing unexpected and/or urgent projects requested by department staff or management.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university major course work in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Social Science, Marketing, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in these areas.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License and be eligible for coverage under the City of Kyle vehicle insurance provider.
• Position generally works a non-traditional work week; may work rotation shifts, from 8-10 hours, to include days, evenings, holidays, and weekends. Must be available for call-out with little to no advance notice due to emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in crisis, internal and public communications, journalism, or public relations, be a skilled writer and be experienced in social media content development, planning, and execution.
• Experience working with sworn civil service, and law enforcement employees.
• Experience working with community organizations and public and media relations.
• Familiarity crafting releases in the associated press style format.
• Experience working with marketing theories, branding principles and practices and their application to program promotion, in conjunction with graphic design and print processes.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations, particularly the Texas Public Information Act.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Applicants for this position must pass an extensive personal background check and Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.jointeamkyle.com today!