Public Safety Communications Manager

Performs administrative and professional work in public and media relations by providing oversight of all internal and external communications for the Savannah Police and Fire Departments, ensuring messaging is consistent and engaging. Responsibilities include serving as a spokesperson for the Savannah Police and Fire departments, responding to news media inquiries, coordinating press conferences, composing talking points and press releases, and monitoring local and regional news sources for topics of interest and importance to the City of Savannah. This position will oversee the team of communications professionals responsible for providing communication services to the police and fire departments.

Additionally, an employee assigned to this position is responsible for oversight and creation relating to website content development, social media account management, creating the strategy for content creation across multiple digital platforms, advising on web-based communications and online engagement initiatives and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal electronic communications regulations, records, archive, and subscription management. Serves as a member of the City communication leadership team and is charged with ensuring consistency in messaging that is aligned with the City’s mission and priorities.

 

Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City of Savannah’s Senior Director of Marketing & Communications and is reviewed through reports submitted, conference and results achieved.

 

Bachelor’s degree major course work in emergency management, public relations, journalism or communications and minimum 5 years’ experience managing communications staff, developing strategic public relations and awareness programs, news writing and public safety communication strategy development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Master’s Degree course work in communications, marketing, or public relations a plus.

 Public Safety Agency experience preferred. Spanish-speaking a plus.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

 

Valid Driver’s License 

Desired Skills and Abilities:

Excellent command of grammar and ability to write, edit and proofread for accuracy. Strong content development skills, with the ability to draft concise copy that conveys intended voice and tone. Excellent time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities simultaneously with expectation to be on-call in responding to critical police related incidents. Develop and maintain a positive community and media relations through frequent contact with the community, business and media personnel. Experience with Microsoft applications and graphics design software, content management systems, intranet sites, social media sites and digital media technologies necessary.