Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

The City of Alexandria’s Office of Communications & Community Engagement, in coordination with the Alexandria Police Department, is seeking an experienced and proactive Public Information Officer. Under the oversight of the Communications Manager, the Public Information Officer’s key areas of focus include the development and dissemination of various content pieces for appropriate audiences, and support media relations and community outreach efforts.

• Disseminates authorized information to the media and other agencies through various communications tactics and formats;
• Responds to the scene of major incidents and/or attends meetings and collects pertinent information for reports and media releases;
• Secures media coverage of programs and activities of the Department which serve the community;
• Edits news releases and publications to inform the public of departmental services and activities;
• Research specific media inquiries that require statistics, background or interviews with other department personnel and coordinates interviews;
• Demonstrates accuracy, sound judgement, and effectiveness when implementing communications strategies for the news media, community members, and employees;
• Curates, writes and edits content for Department publications (annual report, newsletter, etc.);
• Plans photographic coverage to support Department activities and programs;
• Identifies creative opportunities to engage community members through Department resources, services, and special events;
• Maintains an up-to-date report of media clippings and broadcast coverage;
• Performs related work as required.

• Proven experience with proactive and responsive media relations, crisis communications, event management, and community outreach.
• Proven experience developing content for various social media platforms.
• Knowledge of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and other laws and policies governing the release of confidential information.
• Successfully manage a variety of projects concurrently.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.

Minimum Qualifications: Two-Year College Degree; three years of experience in public relations, public information or publications editing work; and completion of college-level courses in journalism, public administration, government, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field. Seven (7) years of experience in communications, media or public relations; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Previous experience in public safety and bilingual preferred.

Four Year College Degree; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public information work and the organization and functions of local governments; good knowledge of the requirements of broadcast media and the ability to prepare material for their use; prior experience (sworn or non-sworn) in law enforcement or a related public safety field; excellent computer skills including social media proficiency, proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications and Adobe InDesign is highly desirable; outstanding writing, editing and proofreading abilities; fluency in Spanish or another foreign language.