Chief Public Information Officer- Public Safety

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

The Chief Public Safety Information Officer works with the Deputy Public Safety Commissioner, Providence Police and Fire Department Command Staff and the Director of Communications in coordinating external communications regarding the Providence Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency. The Chief PIO will be responsible for developing and maintaining press relations, managing the distribution of sensitive information and overseeing external communications on behalf of their departments. This role is 24/7 in nature.

1. Collaborates with to the Director of Communications and Public Safety Department Directors to develop communications and social media strategies that engage and inform residents through direct communication and earned media.
2. Coordinates media relations and inquiries with all print, broadcast, and blog/web-based outlets; nurtures existing relationships with media and develops new contacts.
3. Prepares Public Safety directors for media appearances, and/or works with members to issue statements on their behalf.
4. Prepares and oversees distribution of press releases and speaking points for public appearances.
5. Manages APRA requests on behalf of Public Safety Departments
6. Coordinates Public Safety Department Directors’ public appearances and news conferences.
7. Performs work of a confidential nature and other related duties as assigned.

1. Minimum five (5) years of work experience in media relations with experience in crisis communications preferred.
2. Exceptional verbal communication skills sufficient to support Public Safety Department Directors as a spokesperson.
3. Well-organized and detail-oriented with an ability to work independently and with others.
4. Superior time management skills, and experience working with multiple individuals on multiple deadlines simultaneously.
5. Familiarity with Providence and its neighborhoods.
6. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.
7. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed. Quick level of responsiveness is required for this position.
8. Experience in social media communications.
9. Computer expertise, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, web publishing and/or other publishing software, and contact management software.