Serve as the key spokesperson on all matters related to the department. Develop, respond and present information pertaining to public safety, policies and procedures, policing strategy, personnel issues, and other information as requested by key audiences, primarily the media. Build and sustain the AAPD’s reputation for quality, reliability, and transparent community relations.
Pay Rate Information – $86,000 - $100,000 (Offer will be commensurate with experience)
Duties are performed under the executive direction of the Chief of Police or designee:
Essential Responsibilities:
Develop and implement short and long-term strategic communication plans for AAPD.
Ensure all media opportunities for the organizations are fully vetted.
Schedule and organize all media requests for interview consideration with the Chief of Police.
Acting as the digital risk manager (respond to the public in times of crisis via multiple outlets, i.e. social media, etc.)
Managing the brand of the agency by telling a visually compelling story in a professional way.
Track, review, and manage response for media requests, provide media/communications support during critical incidents and coordinate updates.
Manage and oversee day-to-day external communications, including website content, social media and other communications including but not limited to:
The development of content that communicates the positive contributions of the department.
The production of video and audio recordings for electronic messaging.
The growth and improvement of AAPD communications tools, including but not limited to, our website, social media platforms, emails, or emergency notification systems.
Communicate with the media as the Public Information Officer.
Related Work
Partner with key stakeholders on public safety, City government, and related messaging, including communications and emergency operations staff as appropriate.
Keep abreast of communication trends best practices in policing field.
Create news releases, talking points, Q & A, and other communications tools to support the communications strategy.
Oversee the development of internal publications such as newsletters, news releases, email announcements, planned publications, intranet, video, special projects.
Oversee AAPD’s website, social media accounts and publications to ensure appropriateness, accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism.
Direct and lead communications projects.
Serve as an adviser to Chief of Police and executive leadership of the AAPD on the development of policies, programs, and public relation issues.
Review or create presentations and talking points for the AAPD leadership.
Write, edit, or assist in executive communications.
Communicate with internal and external constituents utilizing a variety of communication vehicles such as the website, social media, email notifications, phone, print, and other vehicles as appropriate, providing public safety messaging and content.
Benchmark against related organizations using key metrics (e.g. website traffic, positive media coverage, social media reach).
Monitor social media to identify any emerging or trending local safety and security issues or concerns.
Develop education and outreach materials in conjunction with colleagues to enhance public awareness of AAPD programs.
Education, Training and Experience:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field
At least five years of relevant progressive work experience in public or private sector communications or marketing, project or program coordination.
The City of Ann Arbor, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
If hired, candidate is required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no later than their start date or have a City of Ann Arbor approved medical / religious exemption.
Preferred:
Media relations experience or journalism background.
Previous public information officer related experience
Physical Requirements
Positions in this class typically require: reaching, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Individual must be able to either hear, talk, or see.
Move and lift light objects less than 20 lbs. such as mail, files, and supplies. Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
