Public Affairs Assistant Administrative Director
The Public Affairs Assistant Administrative Director is a key member of the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department senior executive leadership team. Directly responsible for leading and managing the department’s public affairs functions, the role is charged with coordinating communications for the Office of the Chief with external constituencies, especially during timely or crisis situations. The Assistant Administrative Director works closely with City agencies, the City Council and the City of Charlotte Corporate Communications to ensure accurate, timely delivery of information to diverse audiences.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide communications consultation and subject‑matter expertise to support strategies, projects, and law‑enforcement initiatives.
- Research, analyze, develop, and implement communications plans and strategies; collaborate with leadership on public‑information releases, campaigns, and initiatives.
- Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project‑specific communications for the Chief, including media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, op‑eds, and presentations to the City Council, City Manager, and external partners.
- Administer, coordinate, and oversee communications and related projects, promotions, and community outreach.
- Manage staff, conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, and implement hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.
- Respond to critical incidents and assist the Chief of Police or designee in preparing talking points and media interviews.
- Represent the Department to external constituencies and coordinate internal communications between the Office of the Chief and departmental divisions.
- Lead the management of external events where the CMPD participates and create strategic opportunities for community exposure.
- Develop, monitor, and report on departmental performance objectives.
- Serve as a liaison between public‑information office and internal divisions to collaborate, exchange information, and advance the department’s mission.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs or a related field and five (5) years of related work experience.
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.
- Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Public Relations or a related field and five (5) years of work experience in law enforcement, including public communications experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Exceptional work ethic and ability to lead and motivate employees.
- Strong written communication skills, including AP writing style.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other internal software applications.
- Knowledge of project‑management principles and critical‑thinking skills.
- Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize work, and coordinate multi‑team initiatives.
- Familiarity with digital communications platforms (graphic design, email marketing, video production, data visualizations, social media strategy).
- Excellent interpersonal and customer‑service skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, 24‑hour public safety environment.
- Strong political acumen, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with citizens, officers, and other stakeholders.
Physical and Sensory Requirements
- Maintain physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, climbing, or walking for extended periods.
- Light to moderate lifting and carrying; occasional crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
- Adequate vision, hearing, and speech required.
- Concentration and use of visual and auditory senses for data entry and proofreading.
- Ability to operate in environments with frequent interruptions and occasional noise or stress.
Conditions of Employment
Background checks, including reference checks, social‑security verification, criminal‑consequence record check, and, if applicable, credit history, sex‑offender registry, and motor‑vehicle records check, are required. Final candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug‑screening test and a physical examination. The City of Charlotte complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and all applicable federal and state statutes for background checks.
EEO Statement
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. The City of Charlotte is committed to accessibility and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
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