IMPD Chief Communications Officer

Full Job Description

Position is responsible for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)’s overall communication strategy, content creation, and ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely information to the public. The Chief Communications Officer serves as an advisor to Command Staff and a member of the Executive Staff, and works on the Chief’s behalf with: local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials; criminal justice and public safety partners; the media; neighborhood groups; and, local businesses and trade groups. The position is responsible for overseeing the messaging and content creation of the Public Affairs Office, responds to and coordinates media relations for critical incidents, navigates crisis communications, develops messaging and initiatives to help build community trust, and promotes key public safety efforts.

Agency SummaryWe are dedicated to upholding the highest professional standards while serving the community in which we work and live.

We are committed to the enforcement of laws to protect life and property, while also respecting individual rights, human dignity, and community values.

We are committed to creating and maintaining active police/community partnerships and assisting citizens in identifying and solving problems to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

The agency can do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

Provides leadership and sets direction to meet the goals and objectives of all department communication and outreach efforts with the media, mayor's office, council, constituents, etc.

Develops strategies, advises divisions, and coordinates message consistency across IMPD to build positive rapport with the community.

Reports to the Chief of Police or his/her designee with oversight provided by the Mayor's Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications.

Serves as an advisor to the Chief of Police and Command Staff as a member of the Chief’s Executive Staff.Participates in the department's emergency response leadership team: is charged with overseeing communication functions of all City public safety agencies during Emergency Operation Center activation for emergency support functions, crisis events, and civic-sponsored special events.

This position is on call 24/7 to respond to breaking news and critical incidents to advise on communication of information to the public and coordinate media relations.

Supervises the department’s civilian content creation staff including but not limited to the IMPD videographer, and provides leadership, training, guidance, and oversight to the public information officers.

Supervises all department marketing, advertising, web, and outreach efforts and contracts.

Provides input on public safety policy; tracks relevant legislation; monitors local and national trends; provides guidance on funding opportunities and communications with councilors, legislators, and stakeholders.

Coordinates responses to media inquiries with the Mayor’s Office, other City/County agencies, legal advisors, community partners, and/or other relevant entities.

Participates in research on topics such as advocacy, violence reduction, social justice, policing reform, and issues that impact neighborhood quality of life.

Oversees the preparation of press releases, news conferences, department events, and media relations on behalf of the Chief and the department.

Manages the writing, editing, and production of specialized publications, websites, and social media.

Provides oversight on district and unit social media accounts, as well as flyers, newsletters, and other public communications they may produce.

Coordinates media strategies for the Indy Public Safety Foundation and Central Indiana Police Foundation.

Writes speeches and communications for the Chief of Police and Command Staff, and develops and maintains talking points for public information officers and community engagement.

Ensures message consistency across the department by disseminating talking points on policy changes, safety initiatives, new technology, and other major announcements to Community Relations Units and Command Staff.

Manages the preparation of web content, employee communications, newsletters, announcements, and informational materials for internal or external audiences.

Maintains a media communication list and develops relationships with local media.

Consults with the Mayor's Office and other City/County departments on public safety initiatives, internal and external citizens' concerns and/or issues, and public safety-related media inquiries.

Represents the department to neighborhood, city, state, regional, and national groups, and at meetings and events, including after business hours and weekends.

Works with senior staff to coordinate strategic communications between IMPD and OPHS. Researches subject matter to write requested communications.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to timeQualifications Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Government, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of experience in related work.

Effective communications, research/analytical, and computer skills are required. Excellent writing and verbal communications skills are required and critical for this position.

Ability to coordinate several projects and work with deadlines. Ability to interact with media and citizens is required.

Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with a full range of elected and appointed officials.

Effective budget management, oral and written communications, staff development, and computer skills are required.Please note: A cover letter is required as part of the application process for all candidates.

Those who wish to apply should submit a resume and cover letter to Director of Strategic Initiatives Alexa Boylan at Alexa.Boylan@Indy.gov.