Introduction
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is a highly respected law enforcement agency, both in our community and nationally. Our progressive department provides exciting opportunities for law enforcement professionals to develop partnerships with our citizens in order to prevent the next crime, and to enhance the quality of life within our community always treating people with fairness and respect. The department employs nearly 2,000 sworn officers and over 500 civilians serving a jurisdiction with close to 1 million people. Our employees are men and women from diverse backgrounds interested in meeting the needs of and serving an equally diverse community. The men and women of the CMPD are committed to providing the very best service possible and maintaining the high level of confidence this community has in us.
Overview
The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.
Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.
Summary
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Public Information Specialist works to coordinate messages and distribute information to internal audiences along with updating City agencies including the City of Charlotte Corporate Communications, the City's leadership team, City Council, the community, and media. The Public Information Specialist is primarily dedicated to coordinating communications and functions on behalf of the Office of the Chief. The position will manage communications with internal and external constituencies to include coordinating with the appropriate offices to create effective communication, particularly in dealing with timely or crisis situations. Contributes with supporting the branding efforts and creation of high-level strategic concepts to execute print and digital visual communication.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
•Provide support for media relations (pitching, writing, coordinating with media, etc.) as well as senior level leadership communications daily
•Conceptualizes, presents, and delivers print and digital designs for strategic campaigns Create highly compelling marketing materials such as print, recruitment advertising (ads, billboards), digital media illustrations, brochures, promotional posters, and flyers, stationary, signage, and other graphic communications
•Creates branded templates of materials for internal events to enhance and promote community policing initiatives
•Delivers creative materials that uphold the Department’s brand standards through consistent and cohesive representation of the CMPD/ City of Charlotte brand
•Translates complex messaging into simple and easy to understand print and digital material
•Handle one-off media requests to include directing reporters to appropriate departments
•Assist with Infrastructure development of key strategies, processes, workflows, protocols with regard to media relations/crisis communications
•Work with the public affairs team daily regarding coordination of efforts
•Identify opportunities on editorial pitching calendars, compile and develop master calendars, execute and secure opportunities
•Develop and disseminate pitches, jump on the phone, meet a reporter, set up interviews, coordinate segments and articles, and get in front of stories
•Provides daily insight on daily content, editorial meetings, and ideas for dissemination across communications vehicles
•Prepare formal presentations and draft a variety of key correspondence to include, but not limited to, talking points, speeches, letters, memoranda, notes, and articles
•Professionally represent the CMPD to internal/external constituencies; as well as manage and coordinate internal communications between the Office of the Chief and departmental divisions and units
•Provide ad-hoc research in support of management and advice regarding sensitive issues that rise to the level of the Office of the Chief
•Serve as liaison with appropriate staff in the planning and execution of special events and in ensuring the Public Affairs Department is properly supported at such events
•Manage external events where CMPD is asked to participate and/or create strategic opportunities for exposure in the community
•Monitor and report on media, social media and engagement
•Videography and photography as well as editing and publishing work
•Coordinates video and photography shooting, editing, and storyboarding on quick deadlines
•Completes baseline and monthly reporting regularly
•Performs other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
•Skilled in using professional design applications and software to create branded marketing material for both internal and external audiences
•Strong written and verbal communication skills
•Ability to develop relationships
•Proficient in AP style
•Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills, proof reading, problem solving
•Excellent creative graphic design, videography, photography, storytelling and editing skills
•Handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines while prioritizing
•Integrate public relations and marketing programs supporting overall goals and objectives
•Work independently and virtually with mobility being results oriented and data driven
•Learn new technology quickly
•Perform and excel within an integrated fast-paced team environment
•Media list building and maintenance, editorial calendar development and maintenance, press release, advisory, etc. writing/development and pitching experience
•Extensive problem-solving skills, proactive with content/work and solutions-oriented approach with everything; ability to manage up
•Respond immediately to a situation, follow up, provide necessary talking points and/or recommendations regarding the situation, work with other departments as necessary to coordinate efforts and roles, etc.
•Handle the reactive day-to-day but remain forward thinking about the agency’s overall communications approach
•Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Creative Cloud skills
•Work nights and weekends as necessary; ongoing on-call expectations which includes scene response and communications management
•Ability to possibly work a second shift work schedule in this position
ADA and Other Requirements
Positions in this class typically require; grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Physical Requirements:
•Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
•Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish tasks
•Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information
•Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
•Light to moderate lifting and carrying
•Lift up to 50 pounds
•Work primarily in office environment
•Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, camera, and phone
Sensory Requirements:
•Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data
•Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain
•Comprehension of written information in work related documents
•Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phone.
Preferred Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree with one (1) year of relevant work experience
OR
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities
Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, and or related field of study with three (3) years of relevant work experience
OR
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities
Conditions of Employment
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How To Apply
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
In Conclusion
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