Public Affairs Administrative Assistant Director

About the role

Welcome to the City of Charlotte, a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to public safety and quality of life. This position supports the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in providing communications consultation and subject matter expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide communications consultation and subject matter expertise in support of strategies, projects, law enforcement impact, and other matters of critical importance to CMPD.
• Research, analyze, develop, and implement communications plans and strategies; collaborate with leadership on public information releases, communication plans, and strategies, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project-specific communications for the Chief, including media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, and op-eds.
• Administer, coordinate, and oversee communications and related projects, promotions, community outreach, and the dissemination of CMPD public information.
• Manage staff, including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.
• Respond to critical incidents and assist the Chief of Police or designee in preparing talking points and media interviews.
• Manage external events where CMPD is asked to participate and create strategic opportunities for exposure in the community.
• Develop, monitor, and report on departmental performance objectives.
• Serve as a point of contact with internal project teams and key partners on a variety of campaigns and initiatives.
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings. Serve as liaison between the public information office and other internal divisions to collaborate, exchange information, and advance the department’s mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field of study and five (5) years of related work experience.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public relations or a related field of study and five years (5) of work experience in law enforcement that includes public communications experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Skills

• Demonstrate an exceptional work ethic.
• Ability to lead and motivate employees, work independently, and as part of a team of supervisors/managers.
• Create written publications such as press releases, promotional materials, and other documents.
• Adept using various productivity and software analysis tools such as Microsoft Office, as well as many other internal software applications.
• Demonstrate leadership in support of the Department and City missions and values.
• Associated AP writing style.
• Project management principles.
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands and assignment/monitoring work performed.
• Interpreting, monitoring, and reporting information and statistics.
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus using persuasive reasoning.
• Exercising political acumen, tact, and diplomacy.
• Provide technical guidance, direction, and information to program stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms, such as graphic design, email marketing, video production, data visualizations, social media strategy, etc.
• Provide excellent customer service and be an agent for change.
• Excellent interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills.
• Ability to build strong business relationships.
• Outstanding multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.
• Best practices, trends, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Drug and alcohol-free workplace policy.

For more information on the benefits package, click here.