Under direction, serves as the Police Department's primary spokesperson, leading the department's media relations portfolio and developing, implementing, and evaluating information programming and strategies to engage and inform Thornton residents about police services and impact to the community. This is done through high-quality news releases, digital stories, videos, and other emerging digital content types.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Attends and engages the public at Police Department and city-sponsored events, leads community outreach and education efforts, and develops messaging and feedback strategies to enhance communication with Thornton residents.

Serves as the department's primary spokesperson for media inquiries which can occur outside of a traditional workday, including nights and/or weekends.

Develops and implements external communication efforts, including: public website, digital and social media, newsletters, and community events.

Writes news releases, newsletters, brochures, flyers, public service announcements, talking points, and other communication materials.

Serves as an information resource to internal staff in assigned department(s) to assist with their information, outreach, and communication strategy needs.

Assists in developing annual communication plans for assigned department/project to ensure public relations and outreach goals are achieved and aligned with department goals.

Understands the mission and services provided by assigned department(s) in order to actively promote them to the community.

Remains aware of sensitive or political issues related to assigned department(s) and provides public relations counsel to department/project leadership.

Stays informed about and implements innovative and useful methods of communication.

Supports the Police Chief to prepare remarks and briefing materials for community events, public statements, etc.

Authors internal and external communications on behalf of the Police Chief or other department members.

Creates draft, sample, and final materials such as community notifications to address communication needs.

Supports the management and monitoring of website content and digital media outlets based on City standards.

Provides trusted counsel to the police department's leadership on engagement and communications strategies for residents and the community at-large.

Serves as a voice for the Police Department, the community and the department.

Develops a communications strategy to engage and inform residents, business owners, visitors, and the larger community about the Police Department's services and workload, including Patrol, Traffic, Animal Control, Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs, Public Safety Emergency Communications, and other units.

Flexible with shift work and scheduling to include occasional nights, holidays and weekends.

Willing to work in an on-call capacity; to respond to major events, give media updates and update command staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:
High school diploma or GED; bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university preferred. Three years of experience in public information, journalism, or communications. Public sector/local government experience preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of the organization, purpose, current issues, projects, and employee responsibilities of the department.

Knowledge of general theories and principles of public relations, marketing, and organizational communications.
Knowledge of principles and practices of news reporting, including knowledge of AP style guidelines for writing news releases.
Knowledge of crisis communication theories and practices.
Knowledge of taking digital photographs/video footage with digital camera a plus.
Skill in addressing difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
Skill in demonstrating experience in the creation of innovative projects related to marketing and communications.
Skill in writing and editing with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Skill in spelling, grammar, and composition.
Skill in project management.
Skill in event planning strategies and techniques.
Skill in handling sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in presenting information clearly and in an interesting manner to various audiences.
Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite, including word processing, and desktop publishing.
Skill in Adobe Creative Suite.
Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to demonstrate agility to anticipate potential outcomes and consequences related to communication issues.
Ability to support team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives.
Ability to exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner.
Ability to demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior.
Ability to support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with both the City and police department's leadership, staff, and community members.
Ability to build strong, positive relationships with teams as both a member and a leader.
Ability to work well under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and complete projects within time constraints; perform multiple, concurrent tasks and make quick decisions.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues to carry out projects, events, etc.
Ability to analyze and monitor communication efforts.
Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely and customer service-oriented manner and to use discretion with confidential information.
Ability to effectively communicate with the public and collaborate and partner with local jurisdictions and agencies.
Ability to use sound judgment in the release of information and effectively communicate highly sensitive information.
Ability to resolve issues using own initiative, under minimal supervision, time pressure, and in difficult situations.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meeting required deadlines and handling more than one project simultaneously.
Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively cope with change in work plans and priorities.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to finger, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our 2024 Benefits Guide.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
Flexible Spending Plan
Retiree Health Savings Plan
Pension Plan & Deferred Compensation Plans
Short & Long-term Disability Plans
Paid Holidays
Vacation & Sick Leave
Multilingual Incentive Pay
Recreation Pass
Wellness Program - Learn more here
In-House Training Opportunities
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Schedules
Hybrid Schedules

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Public Information Officer