Job Description

If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account.

Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Police: Office of the Chief of Police

Salary Range Minimum:

$52,000.00

Salary Range Maximum:

$79,217.13

Closing Date:

02/15/2025

Job Details:

This is professional administrative work specializing in developing, implementing and administering public information and public education programs for the Gainesville Police Department. Position allocated to this classification directly reports to the Chief of Police or his/her designee and works under general supervision. Work in this classification is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on monitoring, managing and protecting the Gainesville Police Department’s positive public image in the press and on social media.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is professional administrative work specializing in developing, implementing and administering public information and public education programs for the Gainesville Police Department. Position allocated to this classification directly reports to the Chief of Police or his/her designee and works under general supervision. Work in this classification is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on monitoring, managing and protecting the Gainesville Police Department’s positive public image in the press and on social media.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

• This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Serves as the official spokesperson in external communications for the Gainesville Police Department.

Prepares and disseminates information to the general public, media, outside agencies and community agencies and organizations through news conferences, phone calls, and social media.

Supports the City Manager through the development of speaking points and speeches on community issues related to the Gainesville Police Department.

Serves as a liaison between the Gainesville Police Department and other governmental and non-governmental agencies and institutions and works to retain a harmonious relationship with all partnering agencies.

Takes proactive steps to notify media of developing or emergency responses situations.

Prepares and distributes informational and seasonal media releases, and other materials of a routine nature.

Maintains, updates, and monitors the department’s official social media sites and platforms, including the Gainesville Police Department’s official web page.

Develops and maintains a current media contact list for local, state and national news outlets.

Monitors developments in the media that could adversely affect the image of the department or the City and reports such to police administrators.

Represents the Police Chief and the organization at various civic or business functions.

Conducts live and pre-recorded television and radio interviews on a regular basis, for both breaking news and special features.

Prepares speaking points for annual crime prevention programs, and delivers programs to citizens of all ages when requested.

Develops and implements quality improvement programs by reviewing and analyzing data, system trends, and needs in an effort to ensure department excellence.

Monitors and evaluates expenditures, and makes budgetary recommendations; also evaluates past spending, anticipates future spending, and performs other related activities.

Participates in appropriate job-related training and educational events as well as appropriate department-related planning and informational meetings. Participates as a member of the Gainesville Police Department’s management team to achieve the goals and objectives of the City and the Department.

Prepares the Gainesville Police Department’s annual report to the public that includes the department’s goals, objectives, and performance for the year.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

May serve as an Emergency Management Public Information Officer (PIO) Alpha Team member and Joint Information Center City Lead.

Responds to emergency calls on nights and weekends.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, mass communication, radio/television or a other related field and three (3) years experience in media or public relations; or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Florida Driver License required.

Certifications

Certification as an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for marketing and communications, promotional activities, public relations, and public education for law enforcement agencies.

Knowledge of the Departmental and City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and applicable Federal and State Laws, such as HIPPA and public records.

Knowledge of Emergency Communications systems and equipment.

Possess strong oral communication and presentation skills, and be able to deliver information to large groups of people, both live and over various media.

Possess strong written communication skills, and be able to produce clear and concise reports, publications, memoranda and letters, and educational materials. Ability to plan and coordinate activities

Ability to determine appropriate opportunities to reach target audiences including, but not limited to, interactive, mass, target, and broadcast media, special events and trade shows.

Ability to work with outside contractors such as public relations firms, advertising agencies, designers, videographers, and printers to develop promotional materials.

Ability to develop and maintain a professional demeanor to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with employees, customers, the general public, the news media, and elected officials under emergency and non-emergency conditions.

Ability to speak distinctly, and clearly and communicate effectively

Ability to understand and follow directions

Ability to maintain composure and courtesy to deal effectively with the public, staff, and other agencies

Ability to assist co-workers and the public in a professional and courteous manner

Ability to plan, organize, and complete all work assignments and ongoing activities with the appropriate initiative and within allotted time schedules.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time..

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

May be required to attend events and meetings outside regular business hours.

Must reside within 25 driving miles of the Gainesville Police Department.

Must be available on a 24-hour basis by telephone

Note:

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, For contractors, Seasonal work, Local area, Outdoor, Night shift, Weekend work,

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