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City of Oceanside

City of Oceanside is hiring: Police Media Relations Manager in Oceanside

City of Oceanside, Oceanside, CA, United States, 92058


Salary : $87,192.00 - $116,832.00 Annually

Location : Police Department - 3855 Mission Avenue - Oceanside, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 25-55

Department: Police

Opening Date: 12/05/2024

Closing Date: 1/3/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Oceanside Police Department - Where Creativity Meets Community Impact!

Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for storytelling and a knack for creating engaging, informative, and creative content? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? The Oceanside Police Department is looking for a Police Media Relations Manager to be the voice and digital face of our department!
What You'll Do:
As the Police Media Relations Manager, you will be the voice of the Oceanside Police Department, bridging the gap between our officers and the community. Your day-to-day will include:
  • Social Media Magic: Create fun, engaging, impactful, and meaningful social media content that highlights the incredible work of our officers and the importance of public safety.
  • Website Management: Keep the department's website up-to-date with fresh, relevant, and accessible content.
  • Recruitment Campaigns: Partner with our Recruiting team to develop eye-catching marketing materials for social media, press releases, and other campaigns to attract top talent.
  • Branding & Marketing: Shape and strengthen the department's brand through creative and cohesive messaging. Develop branding content that resonates with our department and the community we serve.
  • Creative Calendar Management: Plan and manage a calendar of events, holidays, and national days. Use these moments to create dynamic content that resonates with our department and the community we serve.
  • Collaborative Engagement: Work with units across the department and external consultants to achieve common goals and elevate our presence.
  • Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets. Write and distribute press releases, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate press conferences.
  • Press Releases: The Police Media Relations Manager will be responsible for drafting press releases that are clear, concise, and effective in communicating critical information to the public and the media. This task requires a keen understanding of law enforcement operations, public safety priorities, and media dynamics. The Manager must:
    1. Ensure all press releases convey accurate and necessary information while maintaining a professional tone and clarity that resonates with diverse audiences.
    2. Demonstrate an acute awareness of the nuances and sensitivities surrounding ongoing investigations, balancing transparency with the need to protect investigative integrity, victim privacy, and community safety.
    3. Strategically determine what information is appropriate for public dissemination and what information must remain confidential, in alignment with legal and ethical standards.
    4. Uphold the agency's commitment to transparency and public trust by clearly explaining decisions, actions, or developments whenever feasible and appropriate.
    5. Collaborate with law enforcement officials and legal advisors to ensure press releases are both impactful with audiences and appropriately disseminated.
    6. This critical function supports the broader goal of fostering community trust and ensuring effective communication during routine and high-priority situations.
  • Press Conferences: The Police Media Relations Manager will play a pivotal role in preparing the executive team for press conferences by:
    1. Developing well-structured, clear, and concise scripts or talking points that address key messages, anticipated questions, and critical updates.
    2. Ensuring scripts align with organizational priorities, community concerns, and the need for transparency, while safeguarding sensitive or confidential information.
    3. Conducting thorough briefings with the executive team prior to press conferences, providing context, background information, and guidance to ensure consistent messaging.
    4. Anticipating potential media inquiries and preparing executive team members with appropriate responses, emphasizing professionalism, accuracy, and empathy.
    5. Offering strategic advice on tone, delivery, and body language to enhance public trust and effectively convey the intended message.
    6. This task ensures the agency maintains credibility and professionalism in its public-facing communications, particularly during high-profile or sensitive events.
What We are Looking For:
  • A creative, self-driven professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven experience in media relations, public relations, marketing, or social media management.
  • The ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • A flair for creating engaging content that connects with diverse audiences.
  • Teamwork skills to collaborate with various units and external partners.
Department Expectations:

The ideal candidate must demonstrate a clear understanding of the department's mission, vision, and core values. This includes a commitment to upholding the principles that guide the department's work, fostering trust and transparency with the community, and ensuring that all communication efforts reflect and support the agency's overarching goals.
  • Work Hard: Bring your best every day and deliver results with focus and dedication.
  • Treat Others with Respect and Decency: Foster a culture of professionalism and mutual respect.
  • Be Positively Impactful: Strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through your work.
Why Oceanside Police Department?

We are more than a police department - we are a team committed to building trust and engagement with our community. This role offers an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of our officers and the positive impact they make every day. When you join our team, you are not just taking a job - you are becoming part of a community committed to making Oceanside a safer, more vibrant place to live and visit. You will work alongside dedicated professionals who embody the values of respect, hard work, and positive impact while making a real difference.

Ready to make waves in Oceanside?

Apply today to become our Police Media Relations Manager and help us tell the stories that matter most!

Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.

Examples of Duties

This is a non-sworn professional position coordinating administrative work specializing in developing, implementing and administering public information and public education programs for the Police Department. Work in this classification is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on monitoring, managing and protecting the Police Department's positive public image in the press and on social media.

Serve as the official spokesperson in external communications for the Police Department.

Develop, design, implement, and coordinate strategic communications plans to address department priorities, including developing and implementing corresponding public relations materials and campaigns.

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for providing public relations services; implement policies and procedures.

Maintain media contacts and monitor news coverage of department events; contact media personnel to obtain coverage of department activities.

Gather and compile information; maintain informational press files for matters of department interest; provide information after verifying that it can be released to the requesting party; conduct informational briefings as needed.

Prepare correspondence, speeches and other materials; prepare news releases and disseminate new materials; assist with social media needs; prepare and maintain reports and records of activities.

Monitor program performance; recommend and implement modifications to systems and procedures.

Serve as public relations liaison for an assigned area with the news media, public and other government agencies.

Respond to and resolve difficult, sensitive, or complex complaints from the public.

Plan and arrange public education and awareness programs; write, edit and format newsletters and articles for internal and external distribution.

Monitor program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to provision of public communications services.

Participate in professional organizations and keep abreast of new developments in the field of public communications; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.

Provide staff assistance to appropriate department heads or other City management.

Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
  • Operations, services and activities of a public relations or communications program.
  • Principles and practices of copy writing, editing, video production, news gathering and journalism.
  • Techniques and practices of organizing and coordinating programs, activities and special events.
  • Techniques of speech writing and delivering.
  • Extensive knowledge of City government including assisting the Fire and Police Departments with their communication needs.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Operations of a public relations or communications function.
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
  • Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
  • Crisis communications best practices.

Ability to:
  • Coordinate and direct public relations programs.
  • Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing public relations services.
  • Interpret and explain department and City policies and procedures.
  • Edit and organize information into an appropriate format for presentation.
  • Appear before City officials, departments, media and community groups to present materials dealing with City activities.
  • Serve as public relations liaison with the news media, public and other government agencies.
  • Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
  • Work without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and personal initiative.
  • Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
  • Perform responsible professional work in a high-profile position dealing with topics under intense public and media scrutiny and respond rapidly and appropriately as needed.
  • Write, edit and format newsletters and articles.
  • Work in a teamwork environment to achieve common goals.
  • Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or related field.

Note: Public Safety experience as a Public Information Officer is highly desirable.

Training: A Bachelor's degree from and accredited college or university is required with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration or a related field.

License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed in an office and field setting with some travel to attend meetings, interact with media at incident sites; occasional work in inclement weather and in an emergency environment; irregular work hours; extensive public contact; exposure to computer screens and other media equipment.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; operate media equipment; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Unrepresented Middle Management (Non-Safety)

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
  • Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
  • Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
  • Survivor Continuation option
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
  • Buy additional Service Retirement Credit
  • Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
  • Buy additional Military Service Credit
Health Insurance

Medical:
  • Kaiser HMO
  • Blue Shield HMO
  • Blue Shield PPO
Dental:
  • Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
  • Delta Care USA (DHMO)
Vision:
  • Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
  • Available to all members of your household
  • 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
  • Self-service support online or by phone
Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
  • First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
  • Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
  • All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
  • After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability
Executive Life and AD&D Insurance:
  • 1 ½ times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $350,000 of Basic Life and AD&D
Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:
  • Premiums are determined by age
  • Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
  • Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
  • Dependent coverage up to $10,000
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
  • Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
  • Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $2,850
  • Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $5,000
Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through Mission Square:
  • 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $22,500 for 2023; over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500
  • Roth IRA - Maximum post-taxed amount is $6,500; over age 50 may contribute an additional $1,000
Hyatt Legal
  • Telephone and office consultations are avialable for an unlimited number fo personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.


GotZoom Student Loan Relief
  • Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.
ScholarShare 529
  • An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.
Leave Benefits

Vacation
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11- 15 years: 6.65 hours
16+ years: 8.19 hours

Maximum accrual:
  • 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
  • 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after
Holidays:
  • New Years' Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans' Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday after Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
  • 50 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year
Sick Leave:
  • Accrual: 12 days per year
Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage

Sick Leave pay off at separation:
  • Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates
Bereavement Leave:
  • Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
  • Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval


Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Shift Differential Pay

If five hours of an employee's regularly scheduled work hours are between 6 PM and 6 AM, the employee shall receive an additional 5% for all hours actually worked

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $150 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2022

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

Do you possess four years of experience as a Public Information Officer in the fields of marketing, public relations, or media?
  • Yes
  • No


02

Do you possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, communication, journalism, marketing or a closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No


03

Describe your experience preparing and disseminating information to the general public, media, outside agencies and community agencies and organizations through news conferences, phone calls, and social media.

04

Describe your experience in each of the following areas: 1. Photoshop, 2. Photo editing, 3. Video editing software, 4. Social Media

05

Describe your experience in conducting live and pre-recorded interviews for television, radio, and related social media based platforms, on a regular basis, for both breaking news and special features.

06

Describe your experience in developing and implementing quality improvement programs by reviewing and analyzing data, system trends, and needs in an effort to ensure department excellence.

07

Describe your experience monitoring and evaluating expenditures, and making budgetary recommendations.

08

This information will be used to determine your eligibility to compete for this position. This information will be verified upon certification for employment consideration by the Oceanside Police Department and during the background investigation. NOTE: Before you complete this form, please read all the questions carefully. If your answer is "YES" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for this position with the Oceanside Police Department. Have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No


09

Are you currently serving probation for any crime (misdemeanor or felony)?
  • Yes
  • No


10

Have you ever been CONVICTED of Domestic Violence?
  • Yes
  • No


11

Do you have an Active Restraining Order?
  • Yes
  • No


12

If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for this position with the Oceanside Police Department. Have you ever used illegal drugs, other than marijuana, in the past five (5) years?
  • Yes
  • No


13

Have you used any hallucinogens (mushrooms, LSD, peyote, mescaline, etc.) in the past fifteen (15) years?
  • Yes
  • No


14

Have you ever sold any illegal substances, including steroids?
  • Yes
  • No


15

Have you ever injected any illegal substances, not including steroids?
  • Yes
  • No


16

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
  • Yes
  • No


Required Question