PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (POLICE) (UNCLASSIFIED) ID - 15373

General Statement of Duties

This employee exercises independent judgment and performs a variety of high level tasks as the Public Information Officer in the Police Department, including assisting with the Department's communication plan, enhancing the visibility and image of the Department, and developing and maintaining partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders. Works under the general supervision of the Public Information Office commander and requires considerable knowledge of journalism and public relations in order to supervise personnel involved in the preparation and distribution of informational and educational materials reflective of the department. Duties may also include making public presentations; coordinating public speaking events; and preparing emergency communication plans. The employee assists the department in communicating through the news media and may serve as spokesperson for the department. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

Knowledge of:
Professional journalism methods, practices and procedures.
Public relations methods, practices and procedures. T
he Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the City of Cincinnati and Police Department. Principles and techniques of individual and mass communication, including public speaking and media interviews.
Development of general public information plans.
Techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information, utilizing all major media of communication.
Appropriate city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
Legislative and administrative policies, procedures, and functions of municipal government.
Civil Service Rules, Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles of composition and report writing.
Professional standards and ethics when communicating with the mass media.
Community event planning.
Photography and video production techniques and tools.
Graphic design principles and familiarity with desktop publishing software.
Advanced functions/use of computers and commonly used business/office work processing software, graphic arts, desktop publishing and spreadsheet software applications.

Skill to:
Utilize verbal and written communication in the development of responses, correspondence, public relations and media releases, and newsletters.
Use computer software in the development of publicity campaigns, publications and newsletters.
Communicate orally and in writing in individual or group settings with news media representatives and the general public.
Conduct media interviews.
Provide instructions and guidance to public officials and employees related to responding to media inquiries.
Develop public information and publicity plans.
Skill in managing websites and social media communications.
Provide information to reporters, media, and the public.
Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software. Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty (as required).

Ability to:
Develop information dissemination approach to reach a target audience.
Process information with a high degree of attention to detail and logical analysis.
Assess the impact and effectiveness of specific public information materials or activities in meeting the interests of the public or media and the needs of the department Research, analyze and interpretation information.
Maintain professional media image.
Write, edit and prepare for publication or reproduction news releases, magazine articles, and correspondence.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously and adjust priorities to meet evolving deadlines. Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems.
Develop graphic presentations.
Develop and deliver speeches to specialized audiences and the general public.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with officials, colleagues, and the general public, including implementing and maintaining positive employee relations. Ensure timely customer service to internal and external customers.
Develop and apply agency policies and procedures for the public information function. Plan and organize the operations of a public information function.
Maintain confidentiality of City or employee information from files, memos, etc. as well as handle sensitive inquiries from contacts with officials and the general public.

Required Education and Experience

Each applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field. A Master's Degree in one of the above fields is preferred.

Minimum of three years of experience working in an agency setting.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be an excellent communicator and team builder.
Must have knowledge of emerging trends in the field of communications, including use of new technologies.
Must have knowledge of the principles of public administration, public information, and/or intergovernmental relations.
Experience speaking to the public, giving interviews to the media, and delivering presentations to a live audience.
Experience writing and/or designing public information materials such as brochures, flyers, and articles for public dissemination.
Experience working in or with a government organization is preferred.
Must successfully pass a background investigation.

MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.
Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; automobile travel within the City may be required.

Physical Conditions: Duties may require maintaining physical conditioning necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged time periods; light lifting and carrying; general manual dexterity required; must be able to operate assigned vehicle.
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.

The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.

The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.

Holidays

The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas

Health Insurance

The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.

Eligible dependents include:

Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian

Basic Life Insurance

A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.

Flexible Benefits Plans

Healthcare Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.

Dependent Care Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.

Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account

City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.

Healthy Lifestyles Program

City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan

The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation

As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
01

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university with a major in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field? (TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED TO APPLICATION)


02

If the answer is yes to the question above, in which field is your degree from an accredited university?
03

How many years of relevant experience do you have working in an agency setting?

  • Less than three (3) years
  • Three (3) to five (5) years
  • More than five (5) years


04

Please describe any prior, relevant, public relations experience working in a governmental organization. If you do not have prior, relevant, experience, please respond "N/A".
05

Please describe your knowledge of emerging trends in the field of public administration, public information, and/or intergovernmental relations.
06

Please describe your experience in speaking to the public, giving media interviews, and presenting to a live audience. If you do not have any prior experience, please respond "N/A".
07

Please describe your experience in writing and/or designing public information materials such as brochures, fliers, and articles for public dissemination. If you do not have any prior experience, please respond "N/A".
08

Please acknowledge that you have been made aware that the Public Information Officer position with Cincinnati Police Department is unclassified. Unclassified positions are exempt from examination and do not have appeal rights to the Civil Service Commission.

  • Yes, I acknowledge I have been made aware.
  • No, I do not acknowledge.
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