Public Safety Communications Specialist
In this position, you will primarily be responsible for delivering timely, accurate, and resourceful information to the citizens and media of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas for the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). This position performs media relations, marketing, and video productions for the department. Responsibilities include coordinating public information activities and services, maintaining the department’s website and social media platforms, writing, designing, and producing publications, and utilizing the appropriate media/methods to disseminate public information. In addition, this position assists with broadcast, print and online media development, and various promotions and special events.
Essential Job Functions - the basic job duties an employee must be able to perform:
- Build strong relationships with the local, state, and national media community and partner to share accurate information, proactively and reactively through press conferences and press releases
- Advise and assist divisions, within the fire department, in the development of text, imaging, and video content for the fire department’s internal and external website and social media platforms
- Design webpage layout, in addition to writing, editing, and updating website content
- Serve as the administrator for social media pages, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
- Analyze communications needs to research, develop, write, and edit strategic communications plans and critical incident information for the fire department
- Serve as advisor to command staff regarding communication, community relations, media, or other related issues
- Assist fire department personnel with photo and video needs for presentations, trainings, interviews, and other communication activities
- Prepare, present, and coordinate community relations programs and events such as citizen recognition, town meetings, open houses, and canvassing projects
- Manage the production of communication collateral, including video and still photography, video editing and production, broadcast, special events, department branding, scriptwriting, graphic design, print, web layout and design.
- Manage family information and notification of significant event (line of duty death, injury, incident)
- Supervision of the AV specialist position
- Indirect supervision, training, and coordination of the assistant PIO positions (6 Medical Lieutenants, 3 Special Operations Officers)
- Coordinate and respond to community inquiries and manage all departmental CORA requests
- Instruct PIO class for the fire department
- Provide 24-hour on-call assistance and respond to major incidents as requested
Knowledge of:
- Public relations and crisis communications best practices
- Strategic communications planning, publications, and community relations procedures
- Basic operations, services, and activities of a municipal public communications program
- Basic press release writing and AP style
- Department operations, policies, and procedures
- City policy and departments
- Regional fire agencies/jurisdictional areas
Ability to:- Process information quickly and effectively
- Exhibit excellent written/verbal communication skills
- Communicate both verbally and in writing
- Organize, prioritize, and successfully implement multiple assignments simultaneously
- Stay current on new trends and innovations in the field of public and media communications
- Excellent interpersonal communications skills and track record of building positive relationships
- Successfully engage stakeholders on existing and emerging issues
- Perform effectively in a fast-paced political environment with multiple stakeholders
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Maintain confidentiality
Successful candidates will have- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of full-time responsible public relations, communications, or marketing experience.
- Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license
- ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, within 6 months of start date
- FEMA G290 – Basic Certification, within 6 months of start date
Ideal candidates will also have- Experience coordinating citizen engagement activities
- Experience communicating with a large public audience
- Experience in government or public policy
- Background in creating cross-cultural communications
- Two (2) years of supervisory experience