City of Colorado Springs · 10 hours ago
Public Communication Specialist, Senior
Colorado Springs Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$37.72/hr - $45.29/hr
5+ years expThe City of Colorado Springs is seeking a strategic communicator with exceptional writing and interpersonal skills for the role of Public Communication Specialist, Senior. This position involves providing media relations and communication strategy for the Colorado Springs Police Department by preparing news releases, conducting interviews, and coordinating public communications.
GovernmentPublic SafetyTransportation
No H1B
Responsibilities
With the Public Relations Manager, serves as a liaison between CSPD and media outlets, responding to daily inquiries via phone and email
Collaborate closely with Public Relations Manager, Public Affairs Section staff, and CSPD personnel to ensure unified messaging
Respond to incident scenes as needed, working with various investigative and patrol units to provide on-scene briefings and coordinate media response
Conduct interviews, prepare news releases, and manage media interactions to support CSPD operations and public understanding
Ensure all public messaging reflects the voice, mission, values, and branding of CSPD
Supervise the Public Communications Specialist II, and collaboratively develop and execute social media strategies, video production and graphic design
Coordinate the release of factual, publicly releasable information through social media, press conferences, interviews, and other channels
Support planning of and execution of department-wide marketing and outreach initiatives to enhance community engagement and awareness
Write scripts and content for internal and external communications, including journal articles and professional publications
Capture and edit video content using Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X, producing documentary-style and promotional pieces
Photograph and document community events and internal recognitions for storytelling and archival purposes
Facilitate Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests in coordination with the Police Legal Advisor, Chain-of-Command, and Records Section
Assist media in obtaining appropriate versions of offense reports
Maintain organized records of all media advisories and news releases in accordance with records retention policies
Monitor daily news coverage (TV, radio, print, online) and alert leadership to stories impacting CSPD
Plan and execute events with attention to detail and strategic alignment with department goals
Track daily activities and deliverables in a structured format to support monthly and annual reporting
Maintain and create content for both internal and external CSPD webpages, ensuring information is up to date and accurate
Assist with internal communications through department emails, digital communications, and graphic design
Collaborate with CSPD recruiting officer and Human Resources to assist in the execution of comprehensive recruiting communications
Collaborate with the CSPD Community Relations Team to plan, promote and execute community events such as the Pikes Peak Regional Peace Officer Memorial, and other community wide events
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study, preferably communications, marketing, journalism or media relations
Five years of full-time, professional experience in a related field, preferably in public relations, communications, digital media content creation or marketing
Must possess a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire
Knowledge of Communications Strategy Elements and how to utilize them
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of open records laws (CCJRA/CORA) and public sector communications
Ability to work under pressure, respond quickly to breaking news, and maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with staff, media, and the public
Knowledge of social media platforms
Ability to design, edit and update webpages
Preferred
Proven experience in media relations, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
Proficiency in video production and editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro X)
Experience managing social media platforms and strategies
Benefits
The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.
Please visit the City of Colorado Springs' Total Rewards Site for additional benefits information.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of our employees and their families.
Company
City of Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs renders public safety, transportation, sports, strategic planning, public meetings, and economic development services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Izabela Flowers
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Vanessa Zink
Chief Communications Officer
Recent News
Colorado Springs Business Journal
2025-04-17
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