Public Safety Information Coordinator (City of Tampa)

Nature of Work:

Responsible for serving as the spokesperson and coordinator of public information for the Police Department.
Works under administrative direction, performing tasks of more than average difficulty in planning, organizing, and coordinating police public relations activities.
Exercises considerable initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in releasing information to protect innocent parties, pending cases, and unfinished investigations.
Ensures accuracy of all statements before release and maintains tact and courtesy in dealing with the media and the public.
Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and achieved results.
Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Examples of Duties:

Coordinates the efforts of the public information unit to provide timely, accurate, and informative news about police operations and programs to the press and public.
Guides, contributes to, and participates in departmental public relations efforts to promote trust, cooperation, and understanding.
Facilitates the dissemination of information to the media and the general public.
Prepares news releases, schedules press conferences, and arranges appearances of police personnel.
Conducts research for feature articles and stories, and coordinates appearances for radio, television, and other media outlets.
Compiles information, writes, edits, and publishes a departmental newsletter and produces a monthly TV show hosted by the Chief.
Prepares reports and correspondence, assigns and evaluates staff, manages unit budget and work processes.
Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of public relations, communications, public information dissemination techniques, and public speaking principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of news media organizations and their operations, modern management practices and procedures, modern office practices and procedures, and Business English, spelling, and grammar.
Working knowledge of regulations, rules, procedures, and laws relevant to law enforcement agencies.
Ability to write and speak clearly and succinctly in various communication settings.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, employees, media representatives, business, civic, neighborhood, and educational groups, and the general public.
Ability to handle difficult individuals calmly, obtain essential information, and deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.
Skill in making presentations in a variety of settings.

Suggested Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in mass communications, journalism, public relations, public or business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Five (5) years of experience in public relations or mass communications, including at least six (6) months of experience dealing with a law enforcement agency.

Licenses or Certifications: