Communications Specialist/FOIA Officer- Police Department

The Communications Specialist develops and executes internal and external communication strategies by engaging with town staff, citizens, businesses, and the news media. The Communications Specialist is responsible for communicating both emergent and time-sensitive information to the public, as well as initiatives and opportunities for engagement and public education.   

Shift: Primarily Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Occasional evenings and weekend hours may be required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function well. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Writes and distributes news releases and other information pieces and repurposes content for digital platforms
• Develops and executes effective communications plans
• Responds to citizen requests and inquiries
• Assists with website content development and maintenance of news and information areas on the site
• Assists with strategy and content creation for Blacksburg Police Department social media sites, video, web, and other digital communications
• Designs graphics for online and print products, and coordinates with print and specialty vendors as needed
• Serves as a member of the Freedom of Information Act Team, coordinating the fulfillment of requests and compliance with Virginia Freedom of Information requirements for the Police Department. Training provided.
• Assists with the communications, planning, and execution of various police department events, including press conferences
• Represents the Blacksburg Police Department and Town of Blacksburg on internal and external committees as needed

• Must be an organized, thorough, articulate, focused, and professional communicator
• Ability to take initiative, create plans, lead teams, and meet deadlines
• Thorough knowledge of social media platforms
• Familiarity with content management systems and other forms of technology
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions accurately
• Proficient writing and editing skills and familiarity with the AP Style Guide 
• Ability to work quickly, yet accurately, in high-pressure situations
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative products and Canva is required
• Experience with local government communications is helpful, but not required
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships
• Must maintain a comprehensive, current understanding of police department initiatives and creatively engage the public on matters of community interest and public safety
• Ability to write, edit, and design for departmental publications
• Ability to write for multimedia
• Knowledge of digital photography, videography, and editing
• Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to manage projects (including budgeting)
• Ability to communicate in a crisis
• Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED Certification required
• Bachelor's degree in communication studies, journalism, public relations, digital communications, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Requirements

• Valid Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• The selected candidate must undergo and successfully complete an extensive background investigation and pre-employment drug screening

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting and climbing, or balancing, and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, and lifting
• Work has standard vision requirements
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications, and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm’s length, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Work has no exposure to environmental conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

Salary : $54,850 - $57,200