Public Affairs and Communications Manager-Police

Under general direction, plans, develops, implements, and organizes comprehensive communication, branding, crisis communications and marketing strategies for the Police Department; plans, designs, writes, edits, and produces public informational materials, community outreach campaigns, and online content; coordinates efforts with community groups, City departments, and a variety of committees to foster community support for department operations and activities; plans organizes, promotes and increases awareness of law enforcement operations, services, events, and programs; and performs related work as assigned.

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plans, develops, implements, and organizes the Police Department’s communications, public information, public relations, and community outreach strategies and activities;
• Advises command staff on communication strategies and implementation;
• Develops and administers the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the section;
• Facilitates programs for citizens designed to achieve a greater level of participant understanding of policing;
• Selects and appoints section staff and provides for their morale, productivity, and professional development;

• Develops and administers marketing information for staff, community organizations, and general media inquiries;
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;
• Coordinates, trains and aligns inter-departmental program functions to ensure consistent communication and engagement;
• Develops short- and long-range planning to meet current and future marketing, event, outreach, and engagement needs;
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts events, presentations, and educational programs with the community;
• Collaborates with City staff, departments and divisions to communicate and market programs and services;
• Represents the department effectively in meetings with commissions, community groups, governmental bodies, the media, and the public;
• Provides guidance to staff on communicating difficult and complex matters;
• Directs and recommends the selection and the purchase of materials, equipment, and contractual services;
• Develops strategies for existing program expansion;
• Administers and maintains the department’s website and social media accounts;
• Oversees the production of all written material, media and graphics posted on the department website and media accounts; develops, reviews, edits, and authorizes content;
• Prepares and presents comprehensive analytical and statistical reports that present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and present and justify conclusions, forecasts, and recommendations based on data summaries and other findings.

Training & Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field; AND
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible program experience, including experience in employee supervision and program development and implementation. OR
• An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience, which will provide the capabilities to perform the described duties.

• Marketing and brand management principles, photography, advertising, target clients, community assets and events, graphic design, production, and printing techniques;
• Practices of public administration; organization and operation of municipal government;
• Methods and techniques of social media use; principles, trends, methods, and techniques used in customer service, public relations, public information, and program education and promotion;
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution;
• Methods of program evaluation, policies, and operational needs related to area of assignment;
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management;
• Principles and practices of public relations, including understanding of requirements of various media;
• Techniques and methods used in development and evaluation of communications;
• Advanced principles in the applications business writing including spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Event planning from idea conception to publicizing, to event execution;
• Organization, services, and functions of municipal government; and
• Principles and practices of public speaking.

• Provide professional leadership and direction in matters involving marketing, branding, and public relations;
• Positively represent Bakersfield by coordinating and assisting in marketing efforts, special events, branding, department initiatives, and public relations;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Coordinate multiple activities with conflicting deadlines;
• Obtain, analyze, evaluate, and draw logical conclusions from relevant data.
• Update and maintain various website and/or social media;
• Organize and prioritize multiple timelines and project schedules in an effective and timely manner;
• Exercise tact, diplomacy and political acumen in dealing with sensitive political, public policy, and community situations;
• Create a cohesive and comprehensive approach to marketing and branding;

• Utilize computer systems and related software program including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphics applications;

• Plan, organize, develop, and implement marketing strategies aimed at promoting the department’s public image between various internal and external stakeholders, such as City staff, City Council, citizens, and media outlets; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, media representatives, community organizations, staff, and volunteers.

• Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a police background check.

• Standard office environment and working conditions;
• Must be able to drive a vehicle for work-related events and duties as assigned;
• May include nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Public Affairs and Communication Manager is a single incumbent class that functions as a program leader within the Police Department, responsible for marketing, brand management, crisis management and public information requests and communications.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

• Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
• Fire Safety Unit
• Police Safety Unit
• General Supervisory & Management Unit (coming soon)