Director of Strategic Communications
Are you ready to guide how the Burlington Police Department communicates with the community and media? We're seeking a versatile, creative professional with excellent writing and public-facing communication skills. In this dynamic position, you’ll oversee public information efforts, support transparency, and deliver timely, accurate messaging that reflects the mission and values of our department.
About Us
The Burlington Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that is committed to quality fair and professional police services. The agency is made up of 152 sworn officers and more than 50 professional staff members serving the City of Burlington, North Carolina.
What You Will Do
As the Public Information Officer, you will be at the forefront of communicating our department's programs, activities, accomplishments, and positions on current issues. This role demands creativity, initiative, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. You will work closely with internal staff, other city departments, external agencies, and community members to ensure our messages are clear, accurate, and impactful. You will be responsible for enhancing communication for internal and external audiences that creates public trust and transparency. General work schedule will be Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. There will be some variation depending upon departmental events, significant emergencies, and other departmental needs.
This is a NON-SWORN position.
The position requires successful completion of an in-depth law enforcement background investigation including interviews, record checks, reference/employment checks, polygraph and psychological evaluation, given the sensitive nature of the position.
Policing With a Purpose
- Preserving the Sanctity of ALL Life
- Nurture and Protect Democracy
- Ensure Procedural Justice and Fundamental Fairness
- Spirit of Service
- Protect the Community from Harm
- Treat all individuals with Dignity and Respect-the ethical foundation of policing.
Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for internal and external audiences to promote transparency and public trust.
Media Relations: Serve as the primary media liaison; draft press releases, respond to inquiries, and coordinate interviews. Represent the department during high-profile incidents and emergencies, including some on-scene reporting at crime scenes and disasters.
Community Engagement: Organize public appearances for the Chief and staff, and attend community events (may include nights/weekends), and support outreach initiatives.
Digital & Social Media Management: Oversee the department’s digital presence, including social media platforms, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
Content Creation: Design and produce multimedia content including graphics, videos, and print materials. Capture and edit photographs and video footage for public relations and historical documentation.
Emergency Operations: Participate in Emergency Operations Center activities during critical incidents or severe weather events.
FOIA & Public Records: Act as a point of contact for public records requests under the Freedom of Information Act and ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies.
Internal Collaboration: Work closely with the City’s Community Engagement Department and other internal stakeholders to align messaging and leverage communication platforms.
Relationship Building: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, media representatives, employees, neighboring agencies, and the general public.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Canva, Microsoft Office, and video production tools. Willingness to learn new technologies is essential.
Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities. Experience with public speaking and media interviews is highly desirable.
Judgment & Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and tact.
Customer Service: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to high-quality service in interactions with the public, media, and internal teams.
Adaptability & Organization: Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, especially under pressure.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
- One year of experience in communications, public information, or media relations in law enforcement or government settings
- An equivalent combination of education and public information and/or media experience may also be accepted
- Valid North Carolina Driver's License
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- The work environment for this position is primarily sedentary, requiring minimal physical exertion.
- Basic operational tasks include walking, talking, and hearing.
- You must be physically capable of operating various equipment, such as a computer, telephone, and copier.
- Additionally, this role is considered essential during severe weather conditions.
Inclement Weather Classification: Essential
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
- It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.*
This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors.
