Public Information Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY

The City of Maricopa seeks to fill the position of Public Information Officer (PIO). This position serves as a dynamic leader in managing and coordinating integrated plans for all media relations, public affairs, digital content development and communication strategies for the Maricopa Police Department (MPD), Maricopa Fire/Medical Department (MFD) and Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Work directly with the City’s Communications & Marketing team to develop social media public awareness marketing campaigns; develop comprehensive Public Information and communications programs to increase community awareness of MPD, MFD and OEM services and programs.

• Representing and speaking on behalf of MPD and MFD, supporting the Chief of Police and Fire Chief, Command Staff, and media relations.
• Advisor to Chief of Police, Fire Chief and executive leadership, leading executive communications, internal communications and issues management.
• Assists the communications team with both internal and external city-wide communication and department projects as needed.
• Identifies internal and external communication gaps, recommends and implements solutions.
• Act as liaison with the media and public interest groups; represent MPD, MFD, OEM departments at various meetings and/or events as assigned.
• Provide oversight, management, and responsibility for department publications, website, and social media accounts, working collaboratively with communication staff to respond to public inquiries and complaints.
• Arrange press conferences and prepare press releases.
• Develop effective relationships with the media and community organizations in order to broaden the reach of department’s outreach efforts.
• Participate in establishing department goal setting and strategic planning initiatives.
• Review sensitive materials involving criminal investigations such as body worn camera video and prepare communication strategies for public release.
• Available to respond via phone/email for after-hour emergencies, including communicating with leadership, posting on social media sites, etc.
• Serves as the PIO in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, political science or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience involving Public Information, public relations, media relations, marketing, communications, coordinating special projects or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties

Knowledge of:

• Various journalistic styles; current principles, techniques and objectives of Public Information and public relations programs; principles and practices of effective supervision.
• City and departmental programs, policies and functions.
• Professional applications of research and writing skills.
• Media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation.
• Basic principles of communication, marketing and public relations.
• On-camera interview and broadcasting skills.
• Emergency Management PIO responsibilities.

Skill in:

• Using social media to maintain or build a brand.
• Regularly posting text, video and images that engage MPD’s target market, follow online conversations on social media accounts and resolve resident concerns using social media platforms.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use digital technologies and equipment to meet the goals of social media campaigns and understand the basic principles and techniques of photography and videography.
• Skill in tasks organization and time management in order to meet deadlines.

• Making complex decisions and interpretation in accordance with established rules, policies and procedures.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Ability to:

• Interpret and analyze policy
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Execute complex projects
• Oversee the design and layout of informational materials
• Provide public relations
• Write engaging copy
• Prepare press releases
• Coordinate publicity campaigns
• Develop creative ideas in relation to Public Information projects
• Write stories, reports, news releases, speeches and broadcast scripts
• Present information clearly and concisely to various audiences
• Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations
• Work in a collaborative, creative team-based work environment

Other Job Requirements

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

• The Maricopa Police Department is comprised of approximately 180 dedicated law enforcement professionals all committed to creating and fostering a work environment that is collaborative, innovative and leading the way in law enforcement principles and practices. Ours is a culture that encourages top performers to adhere to a standard of excellence in the identification of and resolution to complex challenges. At MPD we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.

The City of Maricopa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,528.00 - $79,857.96 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Maricopa, AZ 85138: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person