Media Relations Coordinator

City of Arlington; United States; On-site; USD 71,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Arlington is seeking a Police Media Relations Specialist to coordinate and respond to media requests on behalf of the department. The role acts as the primary liaison with media, prepares news releases, coordinates interviews, and disseminates information during routine operations, major events, and emergencies.

Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of media relations or public relations experience, plus a valid Texas driver’s license or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or a law enforcement related field.
• Knowledge of public information laws and media release procedures.
• Must possess a valid Texas Class C driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the department and media representatives; prepare news releases, coordinate interviews, and communicate department information to the media.
• Respond to routine media requests, verify information for release, and coordinate media activities with departmental units.
• Respond to major events, critical incidents, and emergencies to coordinate media communications and disseminate information.
• Develop and facilitate training related to departmental media relations and participate in public relations activities.
• Prepare written correspondence and informational materials for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Written communication

Videography

Graphic design

Information management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, or a related field

Job description

DEPARTMENT Police SALARY $70,993.50 - $88,741.88

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, coordinates and responds to media requests and inquiries on behalf of the department. Serves as the primary liaison between the department and media representatives by preparing and disseminating information, coordinating media activities, facilitating public communications, and supporting media relations during routine operations, major events, and emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a liaison between the department and print, broadcast, and other media representatives; prepares news releases, coordinates interviews, and communicates department information to the media.
• Responds to routine media requests and inquiries, verifies information for release, and coordinates media activities and information-sharing with appropriate departmental units.
• Responds to major events, critical incidents, and emergency situations to coordinate media communications and facilitate the timely dissemination of information.
• Develops and facilitates training related to departmental media relations, represents the department at public engagements, and participates in public relations activities.
• Prepares written correspondence, informational materials, and other communications; compiles and disseminates information to internal and external audiences.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to external survey requests and provides departmental information as appropriate.
• On a nontypical basis, may perform other additional duties not listed in this description that are in alignment with the scope of essential job functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of investigation practices and methods.
• Knowledge of laws governing search and seizure, arrest procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and applicable requirements for the release of information.
• Knowledge of court decisions and legal principles concerning the admissibility of testimony and confessions.
• Knowledge of interrogation and interview techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of crime prevention.
• Knowledge of procedures for the identification, collection, handling, and preservation of evidence.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of media relations, public information, and public communications.
• Skill in recording, organizing, analyzing, and maintaining information and data.
• Skill in identifying, locating, and utilizing appropriate sources of information.
• Skill in interpreting and applying criminal and traffic laws, the Code of Criminal Procedure, City ordinances, City policies and procedures, and Police Department policies and procedures.
• Skill in developing graphics, charts, designs, and printed publications in final production format.
• Skill in videography, video editing, and the preparation of visual communications materials.
• Skill in preparing clear, accurate, and professional written communications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with media representatives, department personnel, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, law enforcement agencies, other governmental entities, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality when appropriate, and make independent decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to respond effectively to media inquiries and changing priorities during routine operations, major events, and emergency situations.
• Ability to operate computers, office equipment, and relevant software applications.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with the position, including walking, standing, kneeling, writing, and driving.
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate a motorized vehicle in compliance with all traffic laws, safety regulations, and City policies.

QUALIFYING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, or a related field
• Two (2) years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or a law enforcement related field
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Class C driver’s license or obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in using Adobe Creative Suite applications to create, edit, and produce graphics, visual content, and digital and print publications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in videography, including video recording, editing, and production.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED

• Criminal Background Check
• Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Fingerprint Background Check
• Meet and maintain CJIS qualifications
• Drug & Alcohol Testing
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Review

City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The people that work for the City of Arlington directly impact our community, citizens, visitors and businesses.

Become a leader in your chosen profession by joining the City’s dynamic workforce and make a positive contribution to the American Dream City!

The City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City will make reasonable accommodations upon request for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requests for reasonable accommodations should be sent to [e-mail].

If you do not find a job that suits your experience, we welcome you to introduce yourself so Human Resources may be able to guide you to other opportunities.