Police Information Officer

98146BR

Campus: Tempe

Media Relations Officer

Job Description

Under general direction, implements communication strategies to manage the reputation of Arizona State University and the ASU Police Department by building, maintaining and enhancing positive relationships between the department and local, statewide and national media organizations. Functions as a resource for the department to communicate its responsibility in maintaining a safe environment to the public, ASU community, internal staff, stakeholders, elected officials, and appropriate national audiences. Duties include rapidly responding to on-campus or ASU-related breaking news situations, regardless of when they happen. The ideal candidate for this position is energetic, collaborative, organized, can manage multiple priorities daily and can execute communication strategies during high-pressure situations. 

This position reports to the Arizona State University Office of Media Relations and Strategic Communication (MRSC) while directly supporting the ASU Police Department

Job Family

Marketing & Media Relations

Department Name

Media Relations & Strat Comm

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$60,000 - $70,000 per year: DOE

Close Date

30-January-2024

Essential Duties

Media Relations and Public Information

• Serves as media officer and spokesperson for the ASU Police Department, liaison to news media and the public on crime-related communications, safety resources and public records releases.
• Proactively develops, facilitates release of information to the media on developing/breaking stories regarding crime offenses, police response and/or other areas of public concern.
• Responds to on-campus incidents, manages media communications on-scene in coordination with incident command staff and MRSC leadership.
• Assists reporters, editors in assembling complete, accurate information about ASU Police.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local and state media organizations responsible for print, TV and radio news.
• Advises Media Relations Director on targeting stories to appropriate media. 
• Mines and Proactively pitches ASU Police stories that bring about positive results for the University. 
• Assists in preparing crime alert flyers and bulletins to keep university community informed.
• Responds to police information requests from the public, media and university community.
• Processes public records requests and coordinates release with department and university staff.
• Analyzes, gives feedback and approves police department information prior to public release.
• Reviews, approves and periodically writes content for police department’s public webpage.

Social Media

• Proactively creates, publishes content on social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and blogs, to promote campus safety, crime-prevention programs/resources, department and university pride.
• Monitors assigned social media platforms for emerging reputational matters; responds and/or advises department, MRSC leadership as appropriate.

Internal Communication

• Administers internal information program, including production of an ASU Police newsletter to inform employees of department events, goals, policies, etc.
• Works with visual communications & ASU News departments to tell impactful ASU Police stories.

Leadership Support, Administrative and Other Tasks

• Analyzes department communication needs, works with MRSC and ASU Police leadership to develop effective, proactive public information strategies.
• Creates annual strategic plan/calendar in coordination with MRSC; integrates available communication channels to promote department to ASU community and external audiences.
• Develops, maintains contacts with relevant police department and university staff/administrators.
• Advises department working groups, planning committees on communication strategies to maximize impact.
• Works with university marketing departments to ensure compliance with brand standards.
• Prepares, submits activity reports as required.
• Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Arizona Driver’s License to travel to various locations.  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field AND three (3) years experience in public affairs, which may include government relations, community relations, international outreach or marketing; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working as a Public Information Officer in the public sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general news writing, AP style, and distribution of news and feature releases.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general theories and complex principles and practices of marketing, public relations, public information and basic communications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advertising and public relations techniques and practices.
• Experience in HTML and website production; project management and research methods/techniques.
• Experience with electronic media (e.g., internet, radio and/or television), creating and monitoring the content of a professional website and standard social media, including social media analytics.
• Experience in creating social media content for a professional entity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media sources and contacts.
• Experience in public relations and translating material for release to general media for public consumption, including printing techniques and style guidelines for writing press releases and publications.
• Evidence of effective communication, both verbal (including public speaking) and written skills.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with media personnel and the general public.

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse.
• At times, it is required to work outside in conditions requiring the ability to move freely; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Department Statement

The Office of Media Relations & Strategic Communications advances the university’s image and reputation locally, nationally and internationally through story-telling, audio/visual production, news reporting, crisis response, social media engagement and other communication initiatives. 

Additional Background Requirements:
ASU Police Department conducts a pre-employment background investigation which may consist of: polygraph, medical, Psychological, fingerprinting Department of Motor Vehicle Check, and drug screening.  This position is contingent upon successful completion of these checks.  

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.