Under direction, develops and implements communication and public information programs, or outreach initiatives for the Chicago Police Department. The Information Coordinator will work closely with news media and be responsible for daily duties within the Office of Communication.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responds to information requests and inquiries from the media and public via phone and email.
• Develops, coordinates and evaluates communication and public information campaigns to market department programs, events and services, or outreach initiatives.
• Drafts and edits informational materials (e.g., press releases, public service announcements, brochures) for the general public, media or specialized groups.
• Develops and reviews department web-based communication materials for online display.
• Works closely with media outlets to coordinate and promote departmental initiatives.
• Monitors the design and production of graphic arts displays, dvds/videos and presentations.
• Schedules interviews, news conferences and radio and television appearances for department management
• Maintains communication and advertisement budgets.
• Develops and coordinates outreach efforts to promote department programs and services to targeted audiences and neighborhoods.
• Networks with community organizations, academic institutions and private companies to build collaborative relationships in promoting department programs.
• Conducts assessment of community needs, interests and trends to identify new or modified programming activities.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of outreach programs and engagement activities.
• Utilizes blogs and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to communicate department programs, events and services, or outreach initiatives.
• Plans and directs special events (e.g., award presentations and dedication ceremonies).
• Works closely with the Mayor’s Press Secretary Office in order to draft departmental correspondence and to coordinate and promote programs and initiatives.
• Prepares narrative and activity reports of communication, public information, and outreach activities.
• Represents the department at community meetings and events, as required.

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Location:      Public Safety Headquarters

Address:       3510 S. Michigan Ave

Days:            Monday-Sunday

Hours:          Multiple Watches/ Shifts

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, Humanities or a directly related field, plus four years of experience in the development and implementation of public information or outreach programs, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or law school where the applicant is enrolled in or has completed an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Juris Doctorate degree program.

Selection Criteria

This position requires applicants to complete an interview and assessment as part of the selection process. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview and assessment will be selected.

NOTE: Candidates must pass a background investigation, drug screen, and other pre-employment procedures as determined by the Chicago Police Department

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Previous experience working in public relations or journalism.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Office software.
• Previous experience writing detailed press releases and other communications materials.

Education & Employment Verification - Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying.  If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diploma must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation.  If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.

NOTE:  You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable.  You must also provide your valid U.S. driver's license at time of processing.    

Evaluation:  Your initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application form and documents submitted with the application.  Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant.  No second party applicants will be accepted.

Residency Requirement:   All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.  

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources, at 312-744-4976 or disabilityaccommodations@cityofchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer