Police Community Engagement Specialist

City-of-Appleton,-W; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Appleton seeks a full-time Community Engagement Specialist to strengthen ties between the City, the Appleton Police Department, and diverse community groups. You will lead outreach events, craft transparent communications, and support neighborhood initiatives to build trust and collaboration.

Under guidance from the Community Resource Unit, you will oversee social media content, coordinate news conferences, and track engagement metrics to demonstrate impact and inform strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, or a related field.
• Preferred experience in community engagement or communications.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and confidentiality skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs and photo/video editing tools.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, neighborhoods, and community groups.
• Coordinate, support, and attend APD outreach events and community meetings.
• Lead APD's Neighborhood Watch/Neighborhoods program and volunteer program.
• Communicate APD initiatives, operations, and events to the public.
• Manage APD website content and ensure ADA compliant messaging.

Skills

Communication

Public relations

Community engagement

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or public administration

Tools

AV equipment

Photography/video editing tools

Website/content management

Job description

Come join the City of Appleton and make an impact today! Each day you'll have the opportunity to improve the community and make a difference in someone's day. At the City, you'll have a chance to grow through ongoing training, work alongside awesome coworkers and leaders, share your thoughts and ideas, and be respected for who you are. Best of all, you'll have work-life balance to share more time with those you love. Come join the City and make an impact!

The City of Appleton is seeking a full-time Community Engagement Specialist. The Police Community Engagement Specialist strengthens relationships between the Appleton Police Department (APD) and the community through strategic communication, and outreach programming. This role enhances APD's service delivery by promoting transparency, building trust, and ensuring the public is engaged with department initiatives, operations, and events. Working under the general supervision of the Community Resource Unit Captain, this role functions as a bridge between the department, civic groups, neighborhoods, partner organizations, and the broader Appleton community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, volunteers, and Community Advisory Board members.
• Coordinate, support, and attend APD outreach events, community meetings, specialty program activities, and engagement initiatives, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Lead and manage APD's Neighborhood Watch/Neighborhoods program and volunteer program.
• Conduct and facilitate community, civic, and group meetings to exchange information, gather feedback, and build trust.
• Support communication to the community keeping them informed about APD operations, initiatives, and events through timely, accurate, and positive communication.
• Respond to community inquiries across email, website, and phone, ensuring consistent and transparent communication.
• Participate in the coordination of news conferences, media events, and critical-incident communication.
• Manage and update website content and ensure digital messaging aligns with APD policy, brand standards and ADA compliance.
• Track engagement metrics, community feedback trends, and communication effectiveness.
• Participate as a member of the Social Media team to contribute, plan, create social media content that reflects APD priorities, seasonal trends, safety messaging, and community engagement.
• Capture photos and video to support digital storytelling and department visibility.
• Oversee Department participation in community programs such as the Resident Leadership Academy, crime prevention activities, district-level outreach, internal police events and seasonal campaigns.
• Coordinate logistics for community events, including planning, scheduling, staffing needs, communication with partners, and onsite support.
• Support special projects, grant-related outreach, surveys, and emerging community initiatives.
• Work closely across the department with patrol to include patrol briefings, specialty units, district commanders, and other internal units to identify engagement opportunities and community issues.
• Keep command staff updated on emerging community concerns that may affect APD's service delivery or reputation.
• Disseminate departmental information effectively across internal and external audiences.
• Attend weekly command staff meetings and monthly crime council meetings.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Predictable attendance and ability to work additional hours as needed to include nights and weekends.
• Alignment with APD's values of compassion, integrity and courage.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, or a related field or a combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Preferred experience in community engagement or communications
• Understanding of public, media, and community relations principles.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational ability, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Knowledge of computer programs and audio/visual equipment, photography skills and photo and video editing tools.
• Ability to build positive public relations and foster trust through communication.
• Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate a proactive, professional, and consistent public facing presence
• Strong understanding of police operations
• Ability to maintain APD's voice across platforms and interactions.

Competencies

• Communication
• Self-Directed / Autonomous
• Technical Skills
• Problem Solving
• Creative/Innovative