Public Information & Social Media Coordinator

Public Information & Media Coordinator

Anticipated Hiring Pay: $67,230 - $71,000
This position will lead the department's public-facing communications, digital media, branding, and public information efforts. This position serves as a critical link between the department, the community, the media, and City leadership and will work closely with the Division Captain, Chief of Police, command staff, and the City of Alpharetta's Communications & Engagement Manager. The Public Information & Media Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that social media, public information, and media relations operate in alignment, recognizing that all external communications, whether proactive storytelling or critical incident response, collectively represent the official voice of the Chief of Police. This position requires a strong understanding of Public Information Officer (PIO) responsibilities and best practices. The individual must be capable of consulting on PIO matters and, when necessary, supporting or serving in a PIO capacity to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible dissemination of information that does not compromise investigations, officer safety, or departmental operations. This is an exempt position.
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
Develop, manage, and execute the Alpharetta Police Department's comprehensive social media and digital communications strategy, emphasizing transparency, trust-building, and community engagement.
Ensure all social media content aligns with departmental priorities, City communication standards, and the Chief's messaging objectives.
Serve as a strategic advisor to command staff on the use of digital platforms during routine operations, major initiatives, and critical incidents.
Draft, review, and distribute press releases, media advisories, official statements, and internal communications in coordination with command staff and City leadership.
Provide PIO consultation and support, with the ability to assume PIO responsibilities when required, including during critical incidents, emergencies, or high-profile events.
Coordinate media responses and messaging to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to legal, operational, and ethical standards.
Maintain awareness of public records, confidentiality requirements, and law enforcement disclosure limitations.
Design and produce professional, print-ready and digital materials that reflect the values, professionalism, and mission of the Alpharetta Police Department.
Plan, film, edit, and produce high-quality video content, including public service announcements, recruitment campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and executive messaging.
Oversees the online presence of the City of Alpharetta Police Department, including website content and social media accounts.
Capture and edit photography and videography from department events, incidents, and community programs for official use.
Oversee brand management to ensure consistent visual identity, tone, and messaging across all platforms.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; responds to questions and information requests from citizens and outside agencies.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Partners with department recruitment functions and provides direction and/or guidance related to marketing strategies for the purposes of maximizing exposure.
Work closely with the City of Alpharetta's Communications & Engagement Manager to ensure unified messaging, brand consistency, and coordinated public engagement efforts.
Collaborate with command staff, investigators, supervisors, and city partners to ensure communications support operational goals without interfering with police work.
Support community relations initiatives and represent the department at public events, meetings, and city functions as needed.
Monitor social media platforms, media coverage, and community sentiment to identify trends, concerns, and engagement opportunities.
Use analytics and performance metrics to inform communication strategies and continuous improvement efforts.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Knowledge of:
General theories and complex principles and practices of public relations, and public communications, including conduct of media relations relative to public agencies and basic communication techniques.
Excellent consulting, writing, editing (photo/video/text), presentation, and communication skills.
Understanding of police operations, confidentiality requirements, chain of command, and the sensitivities associated with public safety communications.
Proven working experience in social media marketing or as a digital media specialist.
Design/Graphic software proficiency, video capture and streaming technologies, and information technology.
Pertinent local, state, federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Advertising and publicity techniques and practices.
Printing techniques and style guidelines for writing news releases and publications.
Project management, research, and evaluation methods; and principles and practices of composing and editing informational material.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Records management principles and practices.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to:
Develop and manage social media accounts and information.
Gather, organize, evaluate, and analyze data.
Develop promotional materials.
Present information clearly, both verbally and in writing to various audiences.
Develop educational and informational materials (i.e., pamphlets, posters, flyers, e-newsletters, brochures, news releases, etc.).
Interact tactfully and courteously with the public.
Work collaboratively with sworn personnel, civilian staff, city leadership, and external partners.
Effectively oversee comments and feedback from the public and news media.
Keep accurate records and prepare reports.
Exercise good judgment in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
Proven organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
Read, understand, and review documents, policies, procedures, and plans for accuracy and relevant information.
Meet critical deadlines.
Deal successfully with the public, in person, over the phone, and in electronic communication.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Manage multiple projects at one time, skilled in effective time management and resource utilization, and able to adapt quickly to changing situations that may adversely affect previous plans, schedules, and routines.
Work independently in the absence of specific instructions or supervision by following verbal and/or written instruction effectively.
Work both autonomously and with various teams and people.
Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, independent conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
Understand community needs and evaluate activities according to those needs.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Minimum Qualifications:
Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.
Required: Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, media production, or digital content management, preferably within a law enforcement, public safety, or government environment.
Working knowledge of Public Information Officer (PIO) functions, crisis communications, and media relations.
Advanced proficiency in graphic design, video production, animation, and photo/video editing (Adobe Creative Suite or comparable tools).
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with experience producing professional press releases and executive-level messaging.
Must be willing to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays assigned.
Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license.
Preferred: Advanced Public Information Officer training course offered by the Emergency Management