University of Arizona

Public Information Officer


PayCompetitive
LocationTucson/Arizona
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: req17714
      Public Information Officer
      Posting Number req17714
      Department Office of Public Safety
      Department Website Link
      Location Main Campus
      Address Tucson, AZ USA
      Position Highlights

      The Office of Public Safety and the Division of University Marketing and Communications are jointly seeking a dynamic Public Information Officer. This critical role will lead the OPS's public information program, which includes communications, marketing, education, outreach initiatives, and public affairs, and serve as critical link between OPS and Marketing Communications. The chosen candidate will serve on the university's crisis communications team and also provide expert guidance on public relations and develop effective media and communication strategies to enhance awareness of public safety operations and services through various events and programs.

      Upon selection, the PIO will undergo specialized training in crime prevention theory and public information/media relations as directed by the unit supervisor. This training may occur before the official assignment date, depending on the training schedule.

      The selected candidate will have a dual reporting structure, directly reporting to both the Senior Vice President, Chief Communications/Marketing Officer, and the Vice President, Chief Safety Officer.

      Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

      The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

      Duties & Responsibilities

      Duties and Responsibilities:

      Public Information Program Management:

      • Develops, researches and writes Public Safety Communication to include internal university communication, articles for publications and news releases as needed.
      • Establishes cadence of aligning communication with University Communications
      • Manage communication efforts and act as primary responder to requests for media inquiries and information requests related to the University of Arizona Police Department and the Office of Public Safety.
      • Produce, Develop and Disseminate information about university policies, services, and activities to the public and community.

      Media Relations and Communications:

      • Oversee the design and coordination of effective news releases, newsletters, and promotional material, ensuring accurate representation of university-related information during interactions with the media.
      • Manage and maintain the Office of Public Safety's on line presence, including the website and social media platforms, to effectively communicate debriefings, campus events, and the university's image.
      • Assume the role of a spokesperson during times of crisis or emergency, closely collaborating with the Chief Safety Officer and Chief of Police.
      • PIO will need to be "on call" including after hours for media relations and communications responsibilities.

      Liaison and External Relations:

      • Serve as a liaison between university executive management, faculty, staff, and external entities, including government agencies, community organizations, and potential students, to address public relations and media-related issues.
      • Collaborate with university leadership to set strategic direction for public affairs and relations initiatives.
      • Develop and maintain relationships with local media outlets, including newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and other community influencers.

      Communication and Outreach Implementation:

      • Immediate presence at campus incidents to serve as a liaison between the police department, University Communications and the media upon request, ensuring immediate and accurate dissemination of information providing news conferences and media activities for the university in conjunction with University Communications as needed.
      • Manage departmental expenditures for public information activities while providing valuable insights for the development of the departmental budget.
      • Lead and manage press conferences and various media events in close collaboration with university senior leadership.
      • Schedule and coordinate university-related press events, news releases, and public service announcements.
      • Deliver compelling speeches and presentations to media, prospective students, community groups, and other educational institutions to promote the university's academic excellence and contributions to society.

      Crisis Communications and Issues Management:

      • Serve as a key member of the university's crisis communications and issues management team.
      • Provide college and unit communicators related to appropriate internal and external messages.

      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

      • Knowledgeable about public relations strategies to develop communication plans that enhance the University's public image.
      • Familiar with crisis communication techniques to handle sensitive situations and emergencies with clarity and composure and the ICS (Incident Command System) structure
      • Skilled in managing various media platforms to engage the public and provide timely updates.
      • Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
      • Skilled at handling multiple tasks simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
      Minimum Qualifications
      • Bachelors Degree or equivalent advanced learning
      • 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
      Preferred Qualifications
      FLSA Exempt
      Full Time/Part Time Full Time
      Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
      Job FTE 1.0
      Work Calendar Fiscal
      Job Category Communication and Marketing
      Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
      Rate of Pay $75,540-DOE
      Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
      Grade 10
      Career Stream and Level PC4
      Job Family Communications
      Job Function Communications & Marketing
      Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)
      Number of Vacancies 1
      Target Hire Date
      Expected End Date
      Contact Information for Candidates Jill McCabe
      jemccabe@arizona.edu
      Open Date 9/19/2023
      Open Until Filled Yes
      Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
      Special Instructions to Applicant
      Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

  • About the company

      95194 The University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona.

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