Staff Assistant, Community Engagement and Public Relations Specialist

Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief of Police for Administration and Community Outreach, represents the Bridgewater State University Police Department through public outreach, education, and information sharing in support of Police Department efforts.

Assists in creating, developing, coordinating, and implementing community outreach programs to improve and maintain relationships between police and the community.

Works in conjunction with and supports the activities of the Police-Community Liaison Officer. Serves as a member of the department’s community outreach and crime prevention team.

Performs other duties as required.

Reports to : Assistant Chief of Police for Administration and Community Outreach

Functionally supervised by : Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, and Captain. Supervision exercised : None.

Full-Time, APA Unit PositionTour of Duty and Schedule : TBD by Assistant Chief of Police or designee. Subject to change according to departmental needs.

Area of Assignment : University Wide Bridgewater

This is an APA unit position and is subject to the terms of the current APA collective bargaining agreement.

I. Direct Outreach · Works largely to present and disseminate information, conduct public outreach, engage university community members in Police Department programs.

• Connects the BSUPD with members of the community.
• Shares information in various ways and in various settings, including presentations with students and meetings with student groups.
• Helps to eliminate barriers that may exist between the police and the community.
• Provides training within the BSUPD.
• Assists with developing, maintaining, and promoting effective community and individual relationships.
• Collaborates with other university departments and offices.
• Interprets program services and distributes informational material to participants to describe what, where and when program services are available to them.
• Co-chairs, with the Police-Community Liaison Officer, the police-community advisory board that makes recommendations about police-community relations and public safety policy to the chief of police.
• Uses computer applications or other automated systems, such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
• Maintains the outreach calendar.
• Recruits sworn personnel to participate in community activities.
• Proactively seeks out and joins student meetings, events, and activities and represents the BSUPD in a fun and engaging manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Chief of Police.

II. Communication - Develops and manages all departmental public-facing, non-law enforcement communications.

• Develop brand and maintain relevant content for a multitude of social media platforms.- Manage day-to-day social media content, drafting and scheduling posts across all channels including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Support development and execution of social media campaigns.- Stay informed on important topics focused on student life.
• Monitor social media channels daily responding to comments in a timely manner and generating a sense of community and connection among followers.
• Contribute to overall content development including taking photographs, recording video, and creating graphics.- Enhance public facing imagery and messaging centered on student audience.
• Maintain up-to-date, relevant information on the department’s website.· Develop and implement marketing strategies and campaigns for community outreach events and courses.
• Effectively communicate by means of multiple platforms with community stakeholders as it relates to community engagement.
• Develop and implement special events and programs both within the BSUPD and by collaborating with other university departments, offices, and student organizations.
• Interpret program services and distribute informational material to participants to describe what, where and when program services are available to them.
• Create, design, and implement public awareness campaigns.· Acquire knowledge and keep abreast of current trends and new initiative that further enhance the reputation of the BSUPD among the community and capture the attention of the current demographic.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.

• Passion for and commitment to social justice, racial justice, and civic engagement.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience with managing professional social media accounts, especially Facebook and Instagram.
• Knowledge of principles and approaches that promote positive student development.
• Must possess leadership- and leadership development skills.
• Must excel at verbal and written communication.
• Must have knowledge of preparation of complex policies, procedures, and reports.
• Must be able to development and maintain record keeping systems and procedures.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Must be able to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Must create, develop, and implement collaborative projects and initiatives.
• Must be able to problem-solve and access resources in a complex environment.
• Must be able to identify, organize, prioritize, and schedule multiple job responsibilities.
• Must have the ability to carry out responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment in unexpected or emergency situations.
• Must deal effectively with the public, sometimes in stressful situations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to allow for participation in evening and weekend community outreach and events.
• Community outreach specific experience.
• Familiarity with the BSU community, community resources.
• Experience working within a police department.
• Community outreach specific experience.
• Familiarity with the BSU community, community resources.
• Experience working within a police department.
30+ days ago