Director of Strategic Communications – Police Position Available In Alamance, North Carolina

Director of Strategic Communications – Police 
Salary $63,835.20 – $102,128.00 Annually Location Burlington, NC Job Type Full-time Job Number 2025-00088 Department Police Opening Date 04/24/2025 Closing Date 5/22/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Job Description Director of Strategic Communications Are you ready to take on a dynamic role that shapes the public image of the Burlington Police Department? We’re seeking a creative, driven, and adept individual with strong writing and technology skills to join our team. In this exciting position, you’ll develop and communicate public information programs, services, and activities, ensuring the community stays informed about the incredible work of the Burlington Police Department. About the

Role:

As the Director of Strategic Communications, you will be at the forefront of communicating our department’s programs, activities, accomplishments, and positions on current issues. This role demands creativity, initiative, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. You’ll be working closely with internal staff, other city departments, external agencies, and community members to ensure our messages are clear, accurate, and impactful. You’ll be responsible for developing a strategic communication plan for internal and external audiences that enhances public trust and transparency. General work schedule will be Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. There will be some variation depending upon departmental events, significant emergencies, and other departmental needs. Applicants prior to May 14, 2025 will be eligible for first round of interviews.

Examples of Duties Media Liaison:

Develop news releases and respond to media requests related to events of public interest. Work directly with the Chief and command staff, using your sound judgment to shape our communications.

On-the-Scene Reporting:

Respond to crime scenes, disasters, and critical law enforcement operations to assist in media dissemination.

Community Engagement:

Organize public appearances for the Chief and staff, and attend community events, which may involve night and weekend work.

Content Creation:

Design graphics, layout print materials, create content and copy, take and process photographs, and assist in video production.

Digital Media Management:

Monitor and maintain social media accounts and digital platforms, keeping our community informed and engaged.

Team Collaboration:

Work with the City’s Community Engagement Department to align communication strategies and leverage digital platforms effectively.

Emergency Operations:

Work as part of a team within an Emergency Operations Center during periods of severe weather and critical incidents.

Relationship Building:

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, media representatives, employees, neighboring agencies, and the general public.

Daily Reports:

Prepare and distribute daily reports to media members following applicable public record laws under the direction of the Chief of Police.

FOIA Point of Contact:

Serve as a point of contact for the public for data accessible as part of the Freedom of Information Act to internal departments and agencies that inter-operate with the Department’s data systems. These may include warrants, photos, and other information related to law enforcement activities.

Qualifications Excellent Communicator:

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Tech-Savvy:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Microsoft Office, and video production equipment is preferred. A willingness to learn and master these tools on the job is essential.

Judgment and Discretion:

Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion.

Customer Service-Oriented:

High level of courtesy and customer service in interactions with internal staff, other departments, external agencies, and community members.

Adaptable and Organized:

Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, especially under pressure.

Education and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Four years of progressively responsible communications or public information experience
An equivalent combination of education and public information and/or media experience may also be accepted

Special Requirements:

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License Supplemental Information Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The work environment for this position is primarily sedentary, requiring minimal physical exertion.
Basic operational tasks include walking, talking, and hearing.
You must be physically capable of operating various equipment, such as a computer, telephone, and copier.
Additionally, this role is considered essential during severe weather conditions.

Inclement Weather Classification:

 Nonessential Employer
City of Burlington NC
Address
PO Box 1358 Burlington, North Carolina, 27216-1358
Phone
336-222-5105 Website