Job Description
There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, the Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,200 members: approximately 3,550 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation’s residents, but also people from all over the world.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and saving options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits
This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Executive Office of the Chief of Police (EOCOP), Office of Communications (OC), Public Information Branch. The incumbent manages information flow between MPD and the media within the framework of established laws, regulations, policies, and directives.
The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, Office of Communications, who provides assignments in terms of broad mission statements. The incumbent exercises independence of action and leadership in developing and managing the office and staff. Determines or recommends policies, procedures, organization, and course of action for subordinates. The incumbent is recognized as an expert in opinions and advice and is sought by individuals within and outside the District of Columbia Government. The general effectiveness in carrying out these functions is judged through daily discussions with the Director. Performance is evaluated based on results of performance plans as well as expectations and on results achieved by direct contact with representatives of the news media, elected officials, community representatives, and on the ability to effectively disseminate timely and unbiased information.
Guidelines consist of Department policies and precedents contained in directives, City Council issuances, Mayoral issuances, and other District and Federal guidelines, laws and precedents. The incumbent uses judgment in deviating from accepted communication practices and strategies to develop methods appropriate to specific issues or problems.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Plans, designs, and executes a program involving select strategic communications, news media, writing, editing, web management, and marketing projects, as well as other public services.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the press group interested in MPD’s activities or performance.
- Manages the overall implementation of marketing and advertising campaigns, coordinates the writing, design, and production of marketing materials for all departmental programs.
- Oversees the visual content and writes and edits written content for issuance and publications. Receives and responds to information requests from the news media and the public, which often requires a detailed explanation of negative comments made on the performance of the department in a particular situation; and coordinates public relation activities, including preparation of any other related materials.
- Provides assistance and consultation to staff in initiating and maintaining direct contact with the public, specialized groups, and community entities concerned with the services of the department. Advises management of attitude of the public and users of the services, as well as, achievements and criticisms. Directs special events and other activities intended to develop interest in the department’s programs.
- Researches and gathers background information for speeches; produces other communication writing, including press releases, press advisories, newsletters, campaign designs for offline and online educational and marketing tools. Researches, defines, and negotiates media buys.
- Initiates media coverage of the Police Department to highlight efforts, accomplishments, and/or investigative updates.
- Engages and interacts with audiences through department social media outlets utilizing various social media platforms.
- Provides supervision; plans work to be accomplished by subordinates and sets priorities and schedules for the completion of work. Assigns work based on priorities, expectation of assignments, and capabilities of employees. Establishes performance standards and determines work plans and evaluates performance of subordinates. Provides advice, counsels and instructs individual employees on both work and administrative matters. Interviews candidates for office positions; makes recommendations for appointment, promotion, or reassignment of office positions. Receives and resolves complaints from employees; refers group grievances and serious unresolved complaints to the Director. Documents disciplinary action on minor issues and recommends action to Director for more serious cases. Approves and disapproves leave. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees and makes provision for such activities.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Licensures, Certifications and other requirements:
The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
Work Experience:
Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-12 grade level in the District of Columbia government, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector.
Specialized experience for this position includes experience assisting in planning and developing communications plans for public safety and law enforcement programs or initiatives; speaking to a variety of groups and participating in meetings to promote the dissemination of information concerning public safety and law enforcement programs; and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with organizations interested in public safety and law enforcement programs; and ability to supervise the work of staff engaged in the execution of communication activities.
Work Environment:
Work location is in an office environment. Work is sedentary and may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meeting and conferences away from the work site and carrying light items, such as laptops, papers, books, small parts, and driving an automobile.
Other Significant Factors:
This position is considered an Emergency position. The position is part of a 24/7 operation and is subject to non-traditional work hours including rotating shifts, shift work, and working weekends and holidays.
This position is deemed as Security Sensitive pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening and criminal background check (pre-employment and periodic), individuals may be subject to the following checks and tests:
a. Traffic record check (as applicable);
b. Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
c. Consumer credit check (as applicable);
d. Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
e. Random drug and alcohol test;
f. Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
g. Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
This position is “At Will”. At will employment applies to the Management Supervisory Service (MSS). All positions and appointments in the MSS serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause. This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
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