The City of Harrisburg is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Community Relations & Engagement in the Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Police. The Director of Community Relations and Engagement is a non-uniformed management position that serves as the frontline to the community, government officials, and key stakeholders and spearheads initiatives to help implement the Bureau’s vision, relationships and messaging for community relations throughout the City. The Director supervises a team of civilian individuals who assist with this ongoing mission. The person in this position will serve as liaison between the Bureau of Police, the community and the officers in the field. The Director is responsible for both advising the Bureau command staff of citizen/community concerns and serving as a Police Bureau representative in the field to organize citizens against crime and present a positive message of work being done by police to encourage citizen-police partnership. The Director works to achieve and sustain gains against crime by strengthening community relationships and trust. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Commissioner of Police, and Captain of Specialty Services Division, with latitude given for independent action. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The City of Harrisburg offers an annual salary up to $70,000.00. This full-time FLSA-exempt position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).
The City intends to fill this position as soon as possible. It will remain open until filled. If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume and three employment references to:
City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 255-6475
Email: [email protected] (electronic submission preferred)
The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wanda R. Williams, Mayor
JOB TITLE
M-20
Director of Community Relations & Engagement Department of Public Safety Bureau of Police
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Director of Community Relations and Engagement is a non-uniformed management position that serves as the frontline to the community, government officials, and key stakeholders and spearheads initiatives to help implement the Bureau’s vision, relationships and messaging for community relations throughout the City. The Director supervises a team of civilian individuals who assist with this ongoing mission. The person in this position will serve as liaison between the Bureau of Police, the community and the officers in the field. The Director is responsible for both advising the Bureau command staff of citizen/community concerns and serving as a Police Bureau representative in the field to organize citizens against crime and present a positive message of work being done by police to encourage citizen-police partnership. The Director works to achieve and sustain gains against crime by strengthening community relationships and trust. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Commissioner of Police, and Captain of Specialty Services Division, with latitude given for independent action. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.
EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:
Work is performed within the McCormick Public Services Center, at Community Policing Centers or in the field. Work involves the use of the following machines/tools: computer, copiers, scanners, telephone, projectors, recording devices and a motor vehicle. Duties are typically performed on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evening, weekend and holiday work is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Director is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing community policing/crime prevention programs, messaging and strategies in order to provide residents with a clearer understanding of police operations, procedures and constraints. Responsible for overall direct management, operations, and all day to day activities associated with the Community Service Aides Unit and shared management of Community Policing Unit Division. Responsible for developing cooperative relationships with business contacts, journalists, public officials, government regulators, foundations, state and federal grant funding agencies and investors to maintain and develop partnerships and opportunities for the office. Oversees the implementation and management of multi-channel communications including websites, applications, video, email, print, phone, meeting, internal and external social media, fundraisers, and other components suitable to the project scope and priorities for the office. The Director serves as a spokesperson on behalf of the Bureau with community leaders, news media, civic organizations, block associations, and concerned citizens to educate them on police policies and practices, and to develop solutions to challenges that arise within the city’s many diverse communities. At the direction of the Commissioner of Police, prepares news releases, public service announcements, flyers and similar materials to inform the public of Bureau activities. May respond to news media and coordinate involvement in special Police Bureau activities, at the direction of the Commissioner of Police. Responsible for the overall quality of programs, media activities, special events, social media, press release, public speaking, video production, fundraising, and crisis response. Represents the Harrisburg Bureau of Police in stakeholder meetings. Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings and spearheads meetings to foster on going communication and direction of staff. As a member of the Bureau Leadership Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes and reforms. Interfaces with other City departments and outside agencies. Prepares and conducts crime prevention/safety seminars for neighborhood, civic, school and other groups, tailoring such to the needs of the specific group, i.e., elderly, youth, special community event, etc. Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition, which, includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Establishes and maintains a professional working relationship with supervisors, co-workers and the general public. Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent and timely manner.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Performs all other duties as assigned or required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to interpret facts, exercise sound judgement and report
- Ability to prepare reports and other correspondence clearly and
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan and direct work to meet community and Bureau
- Ability to accomplish tasks while under
- Ability to meet daily deadlines.
- Ability to develop long-term plans and programs and to report and evaluate work
- Ability to plan, supervise and review the work of subordinates.
- Considerable knowledge of managerial and operational methods employed by the
- Police Bureau.
- Knowledge of Police Bureau manuals and
- Thorough knowledge of controlling laws and
- Thorough knowledge of the functions and organizational goals of the Bureau.
- Knowledge of new media operations and the ability to relate effectively with media representatives.
- Knowledge of other City departmental operations and
- Excellent personal computer skills in a Windows operating system environment utilizing Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, e-mail, and internet.
- Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to relate to the public in a courteous and professional
- Thorough knowledge of the geography of the City of Harrisburg and surrounding
areas.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in communications, public administration or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in related field with experience in news media relations or public relations, plus 3 years related experience in any combination of; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license, Class C or equivalent required. Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation.