The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position ofCOMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

The Media and Community Relations Unit plays a vital role in telling the story of the Elk Grove Police Department, through engaging, informing, inspiring, and building connections with our community and followers throughout the region. As a highly visible division of the Office of the Chief, we are looking for a talented communicator who can expertly manage social media content, handle media inquiries, and support community outreach efforts. The ideal candidate is a skilled writer, storyteller, and project manager with a strong understanding of branding and media relations. They should be adept at creating compelling social media content, including reels and short videos, and delivering accurate and timely information to the community across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Media Relations:

• Manage media inquiries and provide clear, factual, and prompt information to the community through press releases, social media, and other communication channels.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets to effectively share department news and initiatives.

Community Outreach:

• Assist in developing and implementing outreach programs and events to strengthen relationships with the community.
• Research, compile, and present information through written and oral communications.
• Attend community meetings and events to raise awareness of programs and law enforcement initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in special events such as National Night Out, BBQ in the Beat, Coffee with a Cop, Shop with a Cop, and more.

This position will collaborate with various units and bureaus across the Department and organization to transform ideas into impactful content and campaigns for key audiences. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, effectively present ideas, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and respond thoughtfully to feedback.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs and supports a wide variety of communication, public relations, and community engagement activities to support the needs of the Police department; cultivates the department's social media presence, including but not limited to social media posts, printed and electronic publications, and press releases; assists in the dissemination of verbal and written news and information to the public and media regarding departmental programs; assists in the coordination of media relations for critical incidents and crisis communications; and performs data tracking and analysis of the department's communication and engagement efforts.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is a journey level specialist classification performing the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification works directly to support the Media and Communications unit of the Police department with content creation, community engagement, and communication and marketing efforts for internal and external customers.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists with all aspects of the Police department's public relations, communications, and community engagement efforts that will influence public opinion; promotes department ideas or services; and ensures an ongoing community policing philosophy.
• Manages the department's social media presence, regularly monitors social media platforms for mentions of the police department, relevant news, and community concerns; and analyzes social media trends and public sentiment to assist the Media and Communications Sergeant with communication strategies.
• Develops, curates, and schedules engaging content for the department's social media channels that align with the department's communication goals and community engagement strategies.
• Participates in the development of plans or materials to communicate activities undertaken by the department that are beneficial to public safety or other critical social issues.
• Prepares drafts for press releases or other media communications; prepares information for media kits; and prepares or edits department communications (e.g., articles, brochures, reports, website content, press releases, and fact sheets pertaining to departmental issues, activities or events) for internal or external audiences.
• Plans, coordinates, and participates in ceremonial and community engagement functions for the Police department, including but not limited to, National Night Out, National Prescription Drug Take Back, and BBQ in the Beat, Coffee with a Cop, Shop with a Cop, and other events
• Coordinates, plans, and assists with press conferences.
• Assists in crisis communication and public safety communication efforts.
• Monitors effectiveness of communications of informational campaigns, special events, and promotional activities for the Police department through data tracking and analysis of marketing, communication and engagement efforts.
• Responds to requests for information from the media; gathers and compiles statistical and other information and provides such verified information to the media on a pro-active basis as it relates to community affairs.
• Provides input on issues related to public relations; establishes and maintains partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to promote community safety and engagement initiatives; practices tact, diplomacy, and empathy in all interactions with the public, governmental agencies, media and community organizations.
• Assists with training of key department personnel in media relations and public information policies.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of departmental policies, rules, regulations, administrative orders, and memoranda to answer inquiries from the media or public.
• Attends conferences, training classes, and workshops to keep abreast of new trends in public information dissemination through all platforms and outlets.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Techniques, processes, and materials used in the development of public information, outreach, and marketing materials.
• Basic principles of community engagement and event planning.
• Strong knowledge of current and emerging social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc.); social media techniques and best practices.
• Methods of presenting and disseminating public information through various media, including newspapers, radio, television, and websites.
• Methods and techniques of basic research, data analysis, writing and editing.
• Understanding of budgeting principles to manage allocated funds for communication and community engagement initiatives effectively.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City and the department in contacts with governmental agencies, media groups, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and department mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop messaging that suits the preferences, needs, and communication styles of various audiences and platforms.
• Ability to prepare written and verbal communications to the media and in an articulate manner with knowledge of records release laws and the principles of public relations.
• Adapt to changing circumstances, think creatively, and find innovative solutions to communication challenges.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in communications, community engagement, and social media.
• Develop a variety of public relations, media, marketing, and community engagement materials.
• Coordinate various programs and community engagement events related to the Police department.
• Work on concurrent assignments under time constraints.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable City policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with two (2) years of responsible marketing and/or public communications experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:  

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.   

When assigned to a field environment:  

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification. 

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and/or road hazards. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Employees may be expected to work extended hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required, and to be on-call for urgent communications and community engagement matters that arise outside of regular working hours.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt