Position Details
The City of Aurora is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Safety Media Manager for the City of Aurora’s public safety agencies.
The Public Safety Media Manager will be responsible for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of a comprehensive informational program for all areas of interface between the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, the Mayor’s Office, and the public.
In collaboration with the Communication and Marketing Divisions and public safety personnel, the Public Safety Media Manager will be responsible for promotional and informational work in the preparation of publicity, development of promotional programs, and material designed to improve public awareness of public safety services, crime, fire incidents, department activities, and projects.
Primary duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and neighboring public safety departments; Provide accurate information and shape the narrative during public safety crises; Serve as central point for quality and branding control for all Police and Fire social media venues, publications, and outreach programs; Coordinate and prepare video and other material for radio and television public service announcements and for social media.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain open lines of communication, address concerns, and provide updates to ensure transparency and trust; Develop mechanisms and strategies to facilitate communication between the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Mayor’s Office, employees, and the community.
- Message Development: Craft clear, consistent, and empathetic messaging for internal and external audiences during public safety-related crises; Write and edit press releases, crime data, and special articles concerning police and fire activities, programs, plans, and projects; Adapt messaging based on the situation, target audience, and channel to effectively address concerns and mitigate reputational risks; Plan and compose news stories, articles, speeches, radio and television scripts, bulletins, and various periodic and special purpose reports.
- Issue Monitoring and Analysis: Lead, develop, and administer community surveys and monitor department performance measures and strategic plan initiatives; Conduct post-crisis analysis and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Training and Education: Provide training to assigned police officers and firefighters on public information release, the use of social media avenues, and effectively provide presentations. Ensure that teams are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively during crises.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
Qualifications:
- This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field preferred or equivalent work experience required.
- Must have at least five (5) years of experience in journalism, publications, or public relations, marketing, and communications; or any equivalent combination of acceptable education, training, and experience.
- The ideal candidate must have the ability to respond to occasional critical incidents and after-hours assignments, as well as attend police and fire events for media coverage.
- Requires a valid driver’s license.
- Must successfully pass pre-hire requirements including but not limited to:
- physical
- drug screen
- background check
Additional/Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in public safety and/or emergency management.
- Bilingual (Spanish) ability is desired.
- Proficiency in crisis, internal and public communications through education, training and work experience, or a combination thereof preferred.
- Three (3) years of experience and/or ability to demonstrate knowledge of public safety operations preferred.
- Completion of PIO courses and/or certifications offered by FEMA, FBI-LEEDA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), or similar professional institution preferred.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Please submit application and resume online:
https://il-aurora.civicplushrms.com/careers/
To learn more about the City of Aurora, IL, visit:
https://www.aurora-il.org/1111/About-Our-City
