Public Information Manager

Chesterfield County; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County, Virginia is seeking a seasoned Communications Lead to direct content development and distribution within the Media & Messaging Section of the Police Department.

The role provides strategic leadership for the Office of the Chief, coordinates with local and national media, and manages on-call incident communications, including recruiting-focused campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in PR, journalism, English, liberal arts, or equivalent with five years’ experience (including supervisory).
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and CJIS Security Policy related to police information.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license or eligibility with limited demerit points.

Responsibilities

• Direct, support, and supervise the Media & Messaging Section.
• Provide strategic communication leadership for the Office of the Chief.
• Be on-call and respond to major incidents when command posts are established or EOC is activated.
• Develop, create, and implement internal and external communication campaigns with recruiting focus.
• Respond to daily inquiries from media and the public about department activities.
• Establish working relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Distribute department media releases/advisories, conduct news conferences, and coordinate interviews.
• Advise the Office of the Chief on local and regional news and social media presence.
• Review and edit materials for public audiences to ensure branding compliance.
• Monitor Police Department website for branding and style compliance.
• Teach the Media Relations basic supervisor’s school.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Content development

Strategic communication

Supervisory experience

Social media

Crisis communication

Public speaking

Branding guidelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, English, liberal arts, or equivalent

Job description

The minimum formal education required for this position is a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, English, liberal arts, or an equivalent discipline; five years of experience, including one year of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. The incumbent should be familiar with current laws, rules and regulations that govern the management, dissemination, and disposition of police information. The incumbent should also be familiar with social media best practices and communication trends. Good driving record required. Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia driver's license with no more than six demerit points in the past twelve months or a DUI conviction within the past four years.

Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of illegal drugs, and/or the use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited. Employees must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice’s “Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy” and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check. Must be a US citizen or be a lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization.

• Direct, support, and supervise the members of the Media & Messaging Section including assisting with content development, creation, and distribution.
• Provide strategic communication leadership for the Office of the Chief.
• Be on-call and respond to major incidents when command posts are established or the EOC is activated.
• Develop, create, and implement internal and external communication campaigns with a specific focus on recruiting-related communications.
• Respond to daily requests from the media and public concerning department activities.
• Establish working relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Distribute department media releases/advisories, conduct news conferences, and facilitate media interviews in coordination with appropriate personnel.
• Advise the Office of the Chief on local and regional news and their social media presence.
• Review and edit written or digital materials intended for public audiences ensuring compliance with branding guidelines.
• Monitor content of the Police Department website to ensure compliance with county branding and style guidelines.
• Teach the Media Relations section of the basic supervisor’s school.
• Other duties as assigned.

Regularly, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. However, the individual must be available to serve a 24-hour on-call schedule and physically respond to the department quickly to direct communications when an emergency occurs.