The Fredericksburg Police Department is accepting applications for Public Information Officer. Natatia Bledsoe, who has served in the position since April 2007, is retiring effective July 1, 2015. She began her tenure with the department in 1991, as a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
Following is an excerpt from the complete job posting on the city’s website.
Starting Salary Range: $41,464 – $50,621
Position #: 90-10675-1
The Fredericksburg Police Department is seeking an innovative and dynamic public relations professional to serve as Public Information Officer. The Public Information Officer will be responsible for evaluating, developing and implementing contemporary communication strategies to enhance the Department’s presence in the community.
The Public Information Officer, working in close consultation with the Department’s Chief of Police and Command Staff, will act as the Department spokesperson and media liaison. The Public Information Officer will coordinate all media coverage, press releases and other media-related items; disseminate agency-related information to the community; monitor media coverage; respond to media inquiries; provide accurate information and assistance to the Chief of Police; and promote Department programs, events and services in the Community through a variety of communication mediums.
The Public Information Officer will report to the Fredericksburg Chief of Police and must have the ability to function in a high-profile role as a representative of the Police Department at a wide variety of meetings and public forums.
The preferred candidate will have a proven track record for leading strategic communication initiatives and implementing marketing strategies to increase effective communications. Experience in technology including social media, web and mobile applications to leverage their use in internal and external communications is essential.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who possesses exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. The selected candidate will possess the ability to establish trust and credibility, develop effective working relationships with community partners and work closely with Department and City staff.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations or other relevant field; or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years of work experience in a local law enforcement agency; or a minimum of five years of experience in a Public Information position with an emphasis on crisis management and direct media relations.
The successful candidate will be required to take a polygraph exam and pass a post-offer medical examination, including drug screening, to ensure their physical suitability to perform assigned duties. In addition, the City of Fredericksburg conducts a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
Applications must be submitted to Human Resources no later than close of business on Tuesday, May 19, 2015.
Editor’s Note: For complete information and to apply, go to the complete job posting on the city’s website.
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