Public Safety Communications Manager in Victoria, Texas at City of Victoria

The Public Safety Communications Manager serves as a vital link between the City’s Public Safety (Police, Fire and Municipal Court departments), our diverse community and our first responding agencies. Reporting to the Director of Communications in the department of Communications & Public Affairs, the Public Safety Communications Manager will work closely with city staff and community partners to identify public safety concerns, develop public information strategies, educational campaigns, and other initiatives to help foster, maintain, and strengthen an engaged, well-informed community.

Liaison between the City’s Communications department and public safety departments to proactively identify, coordinate and support meeting their communication needs. Develops and connects public safety departments to the communications department and broader community by cultivating and improving relationships with the City’s Police, Fire and Municipal Court departments and neighboring community organizations. Supporting the planning and implementation of outreach strategies and programs. Promotes Public Safety initiatives, shares information and collects information to ensure Public Safety maintains an accurate position within the community as well as our own understanding of our communities’ concerns. Oversees and maintains social media platforms for Public Safety. Represents Public Safety Communications at meetings as required, including Quarterly Leadership Meetings and weekly Police, Municipal Court and Fire Command Staff Meetings. Supports coordination of special events or projects and public awards programs, when requested by the public safety departments, including promotional ceremonies, swear-in ceremonies, and annual awards banquets. Primarily deals with larger, more public-facing events, and ones that impact citywide initiatives. Maintains public safety educational development, including monitors Texas Legislation to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, Open Records Conference hosted by the Attorney Generals Office, FBI LEEDA public information officer training, Master PIO training, Bill Blackwood PIO certification. Organize, coordinate, and facilitate Fire and Police press conferences and media briefings in connection with major events of concern to the community. Coordinate with Police and Fire personnel on daily media inquiries about traffic accidents, routine investigations, and other enforcement matters. Support the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, their Command Staff, and Municipal Court leadership with prewritten statements, media interview prep, media spokesperson(s). Leading PIO and strategic communication training initiatives with public safety personnel. Coordinates and produces all public-facing communication materials (logo usage, print pieces, etc.) to ensure branding consistency. Supports messaging and branding consistency across the Public Safety departments’ webpages. Produce public service announcements. Develop flyers and promotional/marketing materials, as needed.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors throughout the City and requires exposure to various outdoor weather conditions. May be exposed to irate residents, aggressive animals, and infectious diseases. May be called out to respond to an event or incident after hours or due to an emergency. Flexible work schedule, including working some evenings, weekends, and during special events depending upon the need of Public Safety, Communication department, and City of Victoria leadership.
Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field AND 3 years of experience with public information communications; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience

• Experience with law enforcement agencies preferred.

License & Certification

• Valid Driver's License
• Completion of the Bill Blackwood LEMIT-PIO Program within 6 months of employment

Knowledge & Skills

• Applicable local, state, federal laws and ordinances.
• Public Safety principles and practices.
• Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
• Proficient in MSWord, Outlook, Excel, Zoom, and social media platforms.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Organization, prioritizing, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.