Careers
BC Local Government Job Posting Service
Victoria Police Department
Communications Coordinator
POSITION: Communications Coordinator
DEPARTMENT / DIVISION: Police / Community Engagement Division
Competition Number: P04-24
Date of Issue: May 7/2024
Closing Date: May 21/2024
Pay Group: $50.44/hr - CUPE Pay Grade 15
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: Regular Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week.
To Apply: All submissions shall be sent electronically by 4:30pm on the above closing date and should include all qualifications and experience relevant to the position.
POSITION FUNCTION:
Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement Division, this position fills the professional communications function for the Department including coordinating public affairs projects, assisting with writing and revising communications plans, products and strategic documents, and engaging the public, media and stakeholders.
KEY DUTIES:
Develop and implement strategic communications plans and tools to engage the public including coordinating public relations projects, media releases, presentations, social media, and website content.
Write, revise, and distribute news releases, newsletters, reports and other communications documents.
Assist and/or coordinate events (department functions, awards ceremonies) as needed, coordinate all audio visual, display, and corresponding promotional needs. Provide speeches, emcee scripts and order of events.
Assist in the development and implementation of internal staff communications, including briefings, media response lines, speeches, writing, and editing.
Liaise with various sections and units to develop media strategies, both proactive and reactive. Research and review files and prepare appropriate releases, briefings, speaking notes and distribute as deemed necessary.
Act as department spokesperson when required and responding to calls from the public, the media, and partner agencies that are seeking information and/or interviews.
Facilitate the processing of requests including a determination of response, locating, and contacting appropriate spokesperson (if appropriate), and preparing key messages and speaking points.
Assist in crisis communications management and strategic planning. Assist with the execution of strategy. Continued monitoring of the issue(s) and provide necessary adjustments.
Provide media training for assigned department spokespersons and subject matter experts. Brief department staff about key messages and potentially contentious questions or issues.
Monitor news media for issues affecting the department and other pertinent law enforcement news items.
Setup and takedown for news conferences, coordinating visuals and audio requirements. Prepare news release and supporting materials for distribution. Communicate press conference or event details to the media. Prepare all media materials for media events.
Liaise with outside agencies and partners and notify any partner that may be affected by any release. Arrange for special guests and subject matter experts at media events.
Designs, produces, and maintains content for the department website, while contributing to the overall department web communications strategy and development.
Develops strategies to promote the use of the departmental website by the public and internal stakeholders by implementing enhancements and keeping informed of current online trends.
Collecting necessary changes and updates, for writing and editing website content.
Coordinate and manage communications projects with external stakeholders, suppliers, and government and/or community partners.
Adhere to the department’s visual identity and contribute to strategies geared towards enhanced exposure and brand development.
Basic photography and image and video editing, ensuring assets protect identity of victims, bystanders, youths, and officer safety.
Provide social media updates and strategies and development opportunities to maximize exposure and brand opportunities.
Perform additional related duties as and when required.
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Knowledge of and experience with web publishing platforms, preferably WordPress
Working knowledge of current social media trends and techniques.
Basic photo and video composition and editing skills.
Experience with web-based software applications.
INDEPENDENCE:
Work is generated by annual objectives, departmental work plans, requests from media, department staff, operational demands, and emerging communications issues or is assigned by supervisor.
Work is reviewed through an HR Management System and meetings with supervisor.
Issues such as major expenditures or deviations from policy are referred to supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Effort:
Normal.
Mental Effort:
Meet multiple deadlines. (daily)
Moderate periods of intense concentration while working on communications issues. (daily)
Visual/Auditory Effort:
Focus on a variety of source data and VDT for long periods. (often)
Work Environment:
Office.
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Organize and prioritize work.
Understand and apply the techniques of communications planning and coordination, public consultation, project management and event management.
Provide technical guidance and advice to user departments.
Research and compose communications materials.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Deal effectively with the public and outside agencies.
Excellent English - both spoken and written.
Team player with leadership skills: ability and desire to interact with people at all management levels.
Ability to ensure maximum performance, even under pressure.
Diplomacy, respect, autonomy, self-starter.
Organization, attention to detail, initiative.
Ability to work flexible hours when required.
Video editing, photography, and Adobe Creative Suite or similar are assets.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:
Degree in Communications or Journalism (4 years) or Degree in another applicable field (4 years) with additional training in public relations or professional communications.
Experience:
3 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
OTHER:
May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.
Required to obtain and maintain security and criminal record clearance.
Required to sign attestation of confidentiality.
This is a CUPE Local 50 Position.
Apply Now
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree
Job Experience: 3 years to less than 5 years
Rate: $50.44 Hour
