Assistant Police Public Information Officer

Performs community relations, media relations, public information, and content creation activities to keep the public informed on Lynchburg Police Department programs, safety initiatives, and events. Responsible for capturing visual content and telling the story of the Lynchburg Police Department across multiple mediums. At the direction of the Communications Manager, leads day-to-day social media management, assists with website updates, and produces graphic design, photography, and video content. Serves as a back-up Public Information Officer and builds positive relationships with media, department staff, city staff, and the community. Collaborates on community engagement events, crime prevention programs, recruitment marketing, and forward-facing materials for the Lynchburg Police Department to ensure professional content and branding alignment. 

The ideal candidate will produce informative and engaging content. Skilled in visual storytelling, this individual operates effectively in fast-paced environments, balancing daily creative projects with emergency incident support while building strong community relationships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Leads daily social media content creation, scheduling, and channel management at the direction of the Communications Manager

• Captures and edits high-quality photography and videography at department and community events

• Develops strategies to inform, engage, and build trust with the public, stakeholders, and employees

• Creates and promotes crime prevention initiatives, public safety campaigns, educational flyers, and digital graphics

• Serves as a back-up Public Information Officer for routine, emergency, and sensitive media inquiries

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with local media, community members, and department personnel

• Assists with Department website maintenance and content updates

• Represents the department at civic events and assists in maintaining the community events calendar

• Assists Lynchburg Police Department units with forward-facing materials to ensure consistent municipal branding

• Monitors news coverage and public feedback regarding LPD activities and programs

• Responds to citizen inquiries and performs administrative duties as assigned

• Flexible to working non-traditional hours, including occasional nights, weekends, and emergency call-outs

• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Criminal Justice, Marketing, or a related field, supplemented by two or more years of experience in digital content creation, media relations, public relations, or crime prevention outreach is preferred. Must have demonstrated skill in photography, video editing, graphic design, public speaking, and social media management. Experience in crime prevention education desired.

• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. 
• Subject to night, weekend, and emergency call-outs.
• Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, credit check, and polygraph examination.  
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.  May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to write clear, engaging content for web, social media, press releases, and print. Ability to present effectively to civic groups and respond professionally to community and media inquiries. 

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to synthesize complex policies, technical data, and incident details into clear messaging under tight deadlines. Ability to balance daily priorities with urgent incident support.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000