Public Safety Communications Specialist



Public Safety Communications Specialist

Salary

$6,853.00 - $8,227.00 Monthly

Location

Fire Department - City of Colorado Springs, CO

Job Type

Classified - Full Time

Job Number

15166

Division

Fire Department

Department

Fire Office of the Chief

Opening Date

02/28/2023

Closing Date

3/20/2023 4:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

Description / Position Overview

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.

Colorado Springs is One of the Best Places to Live according to   Learn_About_the_City
 (This information may change annually).

Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer!

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

Additional Information

The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a culture that values our employees’ unique individual qualities and fosters an inclusive environment where people want to be.

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.

NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
 
 The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.
 
 Apply to Join Our Team
 

  • Please visit Colorado Springs Jobs and click on ‘Apply for a City Career’ > ‘City Career Postings – Apply Now’ button to complete an online application. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a NEOGOV/governmentjobs.com user ID and password).
  • Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources (HR) in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
  • Our NEOGOV application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position’s closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.
The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the website.
 
You can view the status of your application here.
 
To be notified of future career opportunities, go to coloradosprings.gov/jic
 
****************************************************
 Equal Opportunity Employer
 

Improving your health, one benefit at a time. One of the more important decisions you can make for yourself, your spouse, and/or dependent is your choice of benefits, which part is part of the Total Rewards package.  We are proud to offer such an extensive selection of benefits to meet the needs of our employees and their families.  Our benefits program is designed to provide you with quality offerings that promote wellness, health care accountability and balance wellness of Life, Body, and Mind.

Your Total Rewards

Visit  Total Rewards to learn more about the philosophy.


City employees are members of the State of Colorado's pension system, Colorado PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association). See Colorado PERA for more information.

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Pet Insurance through Nationwide
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                          UCCS HealthCircle logo                                                       UCCS Programs - Personal Training, Cooking Classes, Wellness Workshops



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For employees and their loved ones
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The City has some unique benefits available to their employees (and family members) that enroll in the medical plan:

  • Access to the Employee Medical Clinic and Pharmacy
 
  • Teladoc gives you 24 hour access to doctors for acute medical issues and request behavioral health appointments through the your phone, via video, or mobile app
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  • Castlight allows you to review your plan, select a provider, and see your resources and plan perks all in one place.
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To view information regarding all the City's benefit offerings, please reference the 2021 Benefits Guide  

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01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have five (5) or more years of full-time responsible public relations, communications, or marketing experience.?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If yes, please explain your experience in detail, including your role and where you gained the experience. If no, please enter N/A.
04
Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have ICS 100, 200, 300 and 700 Certifications?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have FEMA G290 – Basic Certification?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have experience coordinating citizen engagement activities?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you have experience in government or public policy?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have experience creating cross-cultural communications ?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you have two (2) or more years of direct supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
City of Colorado Springs
Address
30 South Nevada Avenue, Suite 301

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903
Phone
719-385-5171