The purpose of this position is to interact with news media and assist in generating, gathering and disseminating information of public interest in accordance with laws and agency policies and procedures. This position manages all proactive and reactive media relations efforts, as well as, keeping the Chief of Police briefed of information from the news media regarding areas of concern, which may improve the relationships between the department and media personnel. The Community Relations Manager will participation the department’s Executive Steering Committee and help to formulate the Department’s Strategic Plan.

Coordinates and distributes information to the public and the media regarding the Police Department’s programs, policies, events, and initiatives by acting as the spokesperson, subject to 24-hour call out.
Provides accurate and timely responses to public requests regarding Police operations, programs, services, special events and forums in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act; answers general questions and refers questions to appropriate individual/department.
Acts as liaison to the media, providing information and news releases as well as responding to inquiries in an accurate and timely manner.
Plans and implements Department’s public relations strategies, policies, and procedures.
Participates in Department’s Strategic Planning
Coordinate’s departments annual report
Researches/writes news releases, and coordinates coverage of appearances made by members of the Police Department.
Assists members of the Police Department in proofreading and critiquing draft documents, commentaries, and public speeches.
Ensures dissemination of important information on varying topics, including all hazard preparedness, office closings, reassessments, and other major events.
Responsible for promoting, organizing, and managing the following programs:
- National Night Out
- Citizens Police Academy
- Neighborhood Services Unit events
- Mentoring Program
- Community Education and Programs
- Coffee with the Chief
- CARE Program
- Annual Department Awards Ceremony
- Public Education
- Planning Bluffton Police Department Events
- Business Development and Marketing
- All other programs promoting the Bluffton Police Department
Develops and manages a strategic plan for all electronic multimedia to include the Police Department website, Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.
Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with all media outlets and other agencies to ensure a continuous, coordinated response to the Department’s community relations efforts.
Ability to work evenings/weekends on an occasional basis as needed.
Assist with Policy Development.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communication, or closely related field; and three to five (3-5)years in public relations, media relations, public speaking, and broadcasting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of South Carolina.

Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Department programs, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of municipal and public safety terminology.
Skill with web-based applications (i.e. Microsoft Office and social media).
Skill in website photography and social media utilizations.
Skill in iPhone and iPad applications.
Skill in typing with accuracy and at a reasonable rate of speed.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
Ability to read, comprehend and interpret complex written documents.
Ability to produce written documents in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.
Ability to exercise good judgement in the performance of job duties, demonstrating tact and resourceful problem solving while promoting a positive Town image, safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement as a representative of the Town.

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly speaking or hearing, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting with repetitive motions; work has no special vision requirements; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices and observing general surroundings and activities.

Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, and printers along with some light foot traffic. Work occasionally requires exposure to fumes, airborne particles, caustic chemicals, explosives, and bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing specialized personal protective equipment.

Town of Bluffton (SC) jobs

Community Relations Manager