Public Relations Manager (Police)

Police Public Relations Manager

Department: City Managers Office Reports to: Communications

Summary: Under general supervision, the Public Relations Manager nurtures a strong network, increases awareness, and develops an enviable image by developing and executing effective communication and media relations programs. Manages internal and external communications for the City of Odessa Police Department.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans and manages public information programs and activities for the City of Odessa Police Department (OPD), including community relations, media relations, social media, marketing, advertising, and telecommunications; evaluates public issues and public perception of issues, and recommends solutions; provides direction and guidance in public information strategies; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines.
• Maintains a favorable public image for the City of Odessa by communicating programs, accomplishments and/or points of view and interprets and explains OPD programs and philosophies.
• Manages administrative activities including budget and analyzes a variety of reports and usage statistics.
• Evaluates all forms of communications before release to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of message. Prepares and distributes news releases, scripts, etc. to media outlets.
• Maintains a keen understanding of the industry trends and makes appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy. Participates in ongoing professional development.
• Leverages existing media relationships and cultivates new contacts within business and industry media.
• Identifies current communication irregularities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Uses technology to provide staff and citizens with fast, accurate and secure method of gaining access to information.
• Develops and maintains OPD's website, ensures that information is current. Identifies and implements new technologies to increase website features and strategies.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field is required.
• 4 years increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and Public Relations is required.
• Public sector experience is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal rules and regulations, covering municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings, and Texas Public Information Act.
• Principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations, and community relations programs.
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication.
• Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government programs.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in the production of video projects.
• Local community resources, and state and regional community services programs.
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government employees.

Skill in:

• Coordinating the City's public information programs, projects, and operations, and developing community relations and communications programs from concept to completion.
• Analyzing information from a variety of sources and developing effective action plans.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
• Writing speeches and press releases and developing a variety of communications materials.
• Preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.
• Interpreting and explaining federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials, and representatives from other regional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized presentation software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements:

• A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.
• Certification for access to National/Texas Crime Information Centers (NCIC/TCIC), and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) are required within one year of hire.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.