Police Benevolent Association of NYS is hiring: Public Relations Specialist in M

The Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of NYS) invites proposals from qualified public relations firms and individuals to provide strategic communication and public relations services.

About Us

The PBA of NYS is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1150 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU).  The PBA of NYS is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers.  Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historical sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests to ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.  For more information, visit our website at www.pbanys.org.  Our mission is to advocate for our members, foster positive relationships with the communities we serve, and advance public safety initiatives.

Scope of Services

The selected firm or individual will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Managing media relations, including press releases and crisis communication.
• Enhancing the Association’s brand and reputation.
• Promoting awareness of PBA of NYS initiatives and achievements.
• Providing guidance on social media strategies and digital outreach.

Proposal Requirements

Interested firms or individuals should submit a proposal including:

• Letter of interest
• Company background and experience, particularly in public safety or labor organizations.
• Proposed approach to meeting the Association’s objectives.
• Examples of previous work and client references.
• Cost structure and estimated budget.
• Contact information and designated project lead.

Submission Details

Proposals must be submitted no later than February 28^th, 2025
Email submissions to PBAADMIN@pbanys.org.

For additional information or questions, please contact PBAADMIN@pbanys.org.

Selection Criteria

The proposals based on experience, creativity, cost efficiency, and the ability to meet our objectives will be evaluated by the Union’s Board of Director and will select a limited number of applicants to be interviewed by a sub-committee of the Board.   

The PBA of NYS is an equal opportunity organization and encourages proposals from diverse firms.

Additional Requirements

• Preparation and editing of correspondence, web site postings and social media entries to the union membership, state officials, and the public at large.
• Statewide media relations with a focus on the Capital Region, Downstate, including but not limited to obtaining earned media opportunities for union officials to promote the value of the work performed for the public by the union’s members. This will include preparation and dissemination of press releases, op-eds and letters-to-the editor creation and submission, pitching stories to different news outlets, offering union officials for media interviews and other press-worthy events and coordinating and preparing them for those interviews when obtained.
• Working on the communications portion of lobbying efforts in conjunction with the union’s lobbyist.
• Advice and management of a limited number of paid media initiatives by the union.
• Preparation for public hearings before the NY State Legislature and other public bodies.
• Producing video, audio, photographic and other relevant content for the union to use in both its internal and external advocacy and communications.
• Crisis communications and support.
• Other similar services as agreed to between the parties.

Applicants should demonstrate successful communications/public relations efforts on behalf of similar organizations with a focus on using creative and energetic efforts to elevate the union by highlighting the valuable work performed for the public by its members. Concentrated efforts on specific issues such as passage or defeat of key legislative bills is a noteworthy part of the union’s overall communications efforts.