Public Information Officer - City of Alexandria VA

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 development and dissemination of various content pieces for appropriate audiences, and support media relations and community outreach efforts.
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• 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
• Identify 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• 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.