HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Safety Information OfficerUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Public Safety Informa�on Officer
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Communica�ons
Supervisor: Communica�ons Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 14
Job Number: 1419
Job Summary
Serves as Public Informa�on Officer (PIO) for Police, Fire, and Public Works departments.
Develops and implements communica�ons strategies, focusing on public safety ini�a�ves.
Creates effec�ve and well-coordinated messaging, engages with the public, and communicates
resources available. Par�cipates in interviews with media and public. Represents public safety at
various events and mee�ngs. Works under the supervision of the Communica�ons Coordinator.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Develops and writes public safety messaging for Police and Fire, serving as PIO; assists in
determining appropriate communica�ons means to disseminate such messages.
• Promotes awareness and understanding of public safety programs, services and makes
public presenta�ons.
• Coordinates public mee�ngs, public safety press conferences and other community
events as directed to provide informa�on and receive feedback on public safety issues,
repor�ng back to City officials.
• Serves as an informa�on resource for the diverse community, incorpora�ng transla�on
as needed, and keeping ADA accessibility top of mind in event planning.
• Writes public safety news releases and web content, creates and manages social media
content, talking points, presenta�ons and works with the Communica�ons Office to
create publicity materials, including video.
• Develops and maintains media rela�ons and serves as public safety PIO for media
inquiries.
• Maintains editorial and graphic standards for public safety informa�on, follows City’s
social media policies; assuring effec�veness, clarity and high quality.
• Works with public safety to receive training specifically related to emergency
communica�ons and protocols, including crisis communica�ons training through NIMS.
• Advises on media rela�ons strategies, assists with development of public safety surveys
and polls.
• Works with the Communica�ons Office to receive training on specialized so�ware,
providing communica�ons assistance as needed for the division.
Updated: March 2024
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree or
coursework in Law Enforcement, Public Rela�ons, Communica�ons, or related.
Experience in public speaking, new release wri�ng, and/or website content
management.
• Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and one year of related
experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combina�on of
educa�on and experience. Bilingual skill ability, experience in a diverse organiza�on, and
experience in municipal government opera�ons.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to add, subtract, mul�ply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole
numbers, common frac�ons, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ra�o, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regula�ons.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Ability to travel to/from mee�ngs or respond to emergencies at various City loca�ons as
needed.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of and experience with public speaking, news release wri�ng, social media
pla�orms, website content management, public safety communica�ons.
• Skill in adap�ng to quickly changing circumstances.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Updated: March 2024
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends during emergency
situa�ons requiring emergency communica�ons.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Geoff Fruin, City Manager (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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