Description

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide communications consultation and subject matter expertise in support of strategies, projects, law enforcement impact and/or other matters of critical importance to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
• Research, analyzes, develops and implements communications plans and strategies; collaborates with leadership on public information releases, communication plans and strategies, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project-specific communications for the Chief including media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, and op-ed, etc. Prepare presentations for the Chief to make to Council, the City Manager, CMPD Police Foundation, etc.
• Administers, coordinates, and oversees communications and related projects, promotions, community outreach and the dissemination of CMPD public information.
• Manages staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.
• Respond to critical incidents and assists the Chief of Police or designee in preparing talking points and media interviews.
• Administers, coordinates, and oversees communications and related projects, promotions, community outreach and the dissemination of CMPD public information.
• Professionally represent the Department to external constituencies as well as managing and coordinating internal communications between the Office of the Chief and departmental divisions and units.
• Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project-specific communications for the Chief including media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, and op-ed, etc. Prepare presentations for the Chief to make to Council, the City Manager, CMPD Police Foundation, etc.
• Manages external events where CMPD is asked to participate and/or creates strategic opportunities for exposure in the community.
• Develop, monitor, and report on departmental performance objectives.
• Serve as a point of contact with internal project teams and key partners on a variety of campaigns and initiatives.
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings. Serve as liaison between the public information office and other internal divisions to collaborate, exchange information, and advance the department’s mission.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field of study and five (5) years of related work experience.
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public relations or a related field of study and five years (5) of work experience in law enforcement that includes public communications experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an exceptional work ethic.
• Ability to lead and motivate employees, work independently, and as part of a team of supervisors/managers
• Create written publications such as press releases, promotional materials, and other documents.
• Be adept using various productivity and software analysis tools such as Microsoft Office, as well as many other internal software applications.
• Demonstrate leadership in support of the Department and City missions and values.
• Associated Press (AP) writing style.
• Project management principles.
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands and assignment/monitoring work performed.
• Interpreting, monitoring, and reporting information and statistics.
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus using persuasive reasoning.
• Exercising political acumen, tact, and diplomacy.
• Provide technical guidance, direction, and information to program stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms, such as graphic design, email marketing, video production, data visualizations, social media strategy, etc.
• Provide excellent customer service and be an agent for change.
• Excellent interpersonal, public relations and communication skills.
• Ability to build strong business relationships.
• Outstanding multi-tasking and problem-solving skills
• Best practices, trends, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment comes with supporting a twenty-four-hour public safety operation which may include callback.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and effectively with citizens, officers, co-workers, and other personnel from a broad range of governmental and public safety organizations.