Nature Of Work

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‍The fundamental reason this classification exists is to co-manage the Police Department’s public information, marketing, and organizational communications programs, with a primary emphasis on social media and community outreach. Work involves providing strategic policy advice to department management regarding such areas as internal and external communications, media relations, community relations, social media, and public information. This non-sworn job classification reports directly to the Chief of Police or designee and works alongside the sworn Police Public Information Officer; work is evaluated through written reports and results obtained.

Manages media relations on a departmental basis; responds to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive and controversial matters: coordinates news conferences; develops and issues news releases, fact sheets and other informational materials; serves as a resource for and assists the Police Department employees with media inquiries; monitors news coverage of Town and police activities, programs, policies and actions; maintains news clipping file; serves as the department’s backup Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.

Interacts with professional and technical staff, community groups, other government agencies, businesses, and other sources to keep the public informed of pertinent incidents, situations or events; prepares and distributes statements; conducts television, radio or newspaper interviews as requested; provides media coaching to staff as needed.

This is a regular full-time position (40 hours per week) with benefits. This position's typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am-4pm. This position is subject to callout during non-duty hours, to include holidays, special events and/or emergencies.

The selected candidate will join a full-service Virginia law enforcement agency that emphasizes the philosophies of community policing and provides proactive crime prevention programs. Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century, is located 35 miles west of the nation's capital and enjoys vibrant and authentic community with a population of more than 50,000 residents. The Town strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees, including membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System and ICMA-RC, affordable health insurance, and numerous other fringe benefits.

For a more detailed job description, please visit the Town's Job Descriptions page. Required Qualifications

• HS/GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Must have knowledge of social media platforms.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain a satisfactory driving record. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, advertising or a related field.
• Prior law enforcement and/or Police Public Information Officer experience.
• Prior social media management experience.
• Previous public sector and government television broadcast functions, operations and content experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of Town management.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to meeting established polygraph and background standards.
• Position requires the use of personal or Town vehicles on Town business.  Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely.
• Position requires the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

EOE/ADA .