Communication Specialist - Public Safety

JOB SUMMARY

Position will be Open Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY
The Communications Specialist, under the direction of the Communications and IGR Manager, serves as a key member of the City’s communication team. This position supports the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Departments in a variety of public information and marketing duties to bolster the goals and mission of the City of San Marcos, with a special emphasis on written material, media relations, content creation, and outreach to enhance the departments brand and reputation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Primary duties include:

• Assists the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Department communication efforts to enhance the City’s image and deliver key City messages.
• Writes, designs, edits and disseminates news releases, advisories, brochures, newsletters, calendars, electronic publications, reports, and multi-media correspondence internally and externally with the media and public.
• Coordinates media relations with local, state, and national media including print, online, radio and television; proactively pitches content to media outlets and monitors coverage for accuracy to correct information as needed; facilitates on-scene interviews and press conferences as needed.
• Provides guidance and uses appropriate language to act in the City’s best interest and create an accurate image of the City and its departments, with an emphasis on the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Departments.
• Advises the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Departments of potential problems and opportunities in public relations and marketing.
• Maintains positive, professional relationships and communication between the City and external agencies, organizations, and stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels to release accurate information in a timely manner.
• Assists with implementation of the community brand through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders/partners.

2. Coordinates and implements special programs and events:

• Assists with the development of marketing and advertising plans and related collateral material to increase community awareness of City activities, services, and programs with an emphasis on the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Departments; selects and uses appropriate communications channels to deliver materials to the press and public.
• Drafts letters, communications standard operating procedures and other correspondence.
• Conducts research projects, assists with budget, reports, news clips, mailing lists, presentations, proclamations, award nominations, speeches, and talking points.

3. Assists with a variety of electronic media and municipal broadcasting duties:

• Creates and publishes content on social media channels; monitors engagement and provides feedback.
• Assists with maintaining, developing and updating the City’s website and employee portal with an emphasis on pages that support the San Marcos Police, Fire, City Marshal, and Emergency Management Departments.
• Assists with content development for the City’s Government Cable Channels, video projects and photography.

4. Provides key support for City emergency operations:

• Serves as a key member of the public communications team and works closely with public safety personnel to implement comprehensive communication strategy and ensure cohesive messaging across platforms clearly and effectively.
• Serves in an on-call capacity to respond to scenes of public safety incidents, City, and departmental emergencies as needed.
• Maintains standard operating procedures in relation to emergency response.

5. Maintains multimedia design and technical quality by staying abreast of current equipment and technology, suggesting equipment upgrades when required.

6. Evaluates and makes recommendations of the effectiveness of communication tools utilizing analytics.

7. Participates in professional organizations and marketing information groups to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals.

8. Other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position works under general supervision.
• Manages special projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree required (preferred degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication or an equivalent).
• Two (2) years’ experience in media, municipal government, public relations or associated field.
• Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check. Must obtain certification to access the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) within 90 days of hire.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a public safety, crisis communication, or emergency management environment.
• Experience with community organizations, public officials, event coordination, and public speaking.
• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures and applicable laws for information sharing, including the Texas Public Information Act.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms.
• Bilingual

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills are required; must possess the ability to use discretion and good judgement, and the ability to fairly and accurately present controversial issues to the public; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with City officials and department, media representatives, outside agencies, local regional state and federal officials and agencies, community organizations, local businesses, and the general public.
• Ability to work in a time-sensitive and highly confidential environment.
• Must be able to read and comprehend technical documents, ordinances, laws, municipal codes, reports, studies, surveys, manuals, and budgets.
• A flexible work schedule and the ability to work on-call as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting up to 30 pounds occasionally. Subject to sitting, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, hearing and talking frequently; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing, balancing and foot controls occasionally; kneeling, crouching, bending and twisting rarely.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan

Davis Vision Insurance

• Base Vision Plan
• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of San Marcos, TX

• 512-393-8060

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