Public Safety Communications & Outreach Specialist University Assistant

Western Connecticut State University; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University is seeking a part-time Public Safety Communications & Outreach Specialist. The role supports the University Police & Public Safety department by managing digital platforms, creating outreach materials, and coordinating community engagement.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, proven social media experience, and the ability to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends for events and emergency messaging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven success managing professional or organizational social media accounts and growing engagement.
• Experience in Public Safety or Law Enforcement preferred.
• Highly proficient with computers, web content editors, photo-video equipment and graphic design or multimedia tools.

Responsibilities

• Website Management: Update and maintain web pages for University Police, EHS, and Emergency Management using the university's content management system.
• Social Media Management: Plan, create, and schedule all social media content; capture photo/video content at campus events and monitor emergency alerts after hours as needed.
• Content Creation: Design flyers, digital graphics, brochures, and outreach materials for public safety campaigns and safety awareness programs.
• Community Outreach: Represent the department at campus tabling events, student orientations, and community engagement programs.
• Special Projects: Assist the administrative and command staff with special communication initiatives, data gathering, or safety campaigns.

Skills

Social media management

Public safety awareness

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

WordPress

Canva

MS Office

Job description

Western Connecticut State University

University Police & Public Safety

Public Safety Communications & Outreach Specialist University Assistant

Part‑time Position

Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce applications are being accepted for part‑time, maximum of 19 hours per week Public Safety Communications & Outreach Specialist position in our University Police & Public Safety department.

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Servicing Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.

Additional information is available at www.wcsu.edu/police/. Information on the University may be found on www.wcsu.edu.

Position Summary:

This part‑time role reports to the Director of Public Safety and works a maximum of 19 hours per week. The schedule offers flexibility but requires occasional after‑hours availability to photograph or film campus events and post urgent or emergency messages. Operating with minimal supervision, you will independently manage digital platforms while collaborating closely with public safety staff to build positive community relations and increase public safety awareness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Website Management: Update and maintain web pages for University Police, EHS, and Emergency Management using the university's content management system.
• Social Media Management: Plan, create, and schedule all social media content. Capture photo and video content at campus events (some evenings/weekends required) and monitor/publish emergency alerts after hours as needed.
• Content Creation: Design flyers, digital graphics, brochures, and outreach materials for public safety campaigns and safety awareness programs.
• Community Outreach: Represent the department at campus tabling events, student orientations, and community engagement programs.
• Special Projects: Assist the administrative and command staff with special communication initiatives, data gathering, or safety campaigns.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related field (or equivalent experience). Proven success managing professional or organizational social media accounts and growing engagement. Experience in Public Safety or Law Enforcement preferred. Highly proficient with computers, web content editors, photo-video equipment and graphic design or multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Canva, MS Office). Excellent written and verbal grammar, with the ability to write clear, concise, and professional public safety messaging. Highly independent and self‑motivated with minimal supervision required, yet collaborative and comfortable working alongside police officers, emergency staff, and university students.

This position is subject to law enforcement background investigation and non‑disclosure agreement.

Work Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Maximum of 19 hours per week, $22.00 per hour. Flexible schedule required, including the ability to occasionally work or monitor channels outside standard business hours. Additional information on part‑time benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. Please note there are no paid benefits for this position.

All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check. WCSU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, employment verifications, and a criminal history record check.

Western is an affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer