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Community of m STAFF REPORT
Administrative Services Department
DATE: September 16, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director
By: Jeannette Flores, Human Resources Administrator
SUBJECT: NEW CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR MEDIA
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (PART -TIME)
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
In an effort to provide the Police Department with greater visibility and community
engagement, it is recommended that the City Council approve the new classification
specification for Media Communications Specialist (Part- Time). The proposed
classification was approved by the Human Resources Commission on August 14, 2014.
DISCUSSION
To improve operational efficiency and create wider community outreach, the Police
Department is proposing the creation of a new job classification of Media
Communications Specialist. With the constant technological advances and the
increased popularity of social media, it is essential that the Police Department develop a
position that specializes in this area. Over the past few years, media communication
duties were handled by an officer on a medical work restriction; during that time, it
became apparent that a dedicated position would be highly beneficial to advance
Department goals. Returning the duties to a collateral assignment for an officer would
not be effective.
The Media Communications Specialist performs a wide variety of complex marketing
techniques including planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the Arcadia Police
Department's Social Media, Instant Communication, and Community Engagement
strategy and platforms. This position will also monitor and maintain the content on social
media channels for relevant information pertaining to the Arcadia Police Department
and /or the City of Arcadia. The incumbent of this position will also collaborate with other
City Media Specialists to develop ongoing partnerships and also create media
campaigns to promote engagement with the Arcadia Police Department.
Media Communications Specialist Specification
September 16, 2014
Page 2 of 2
The minimum qualifications for the classification will be five years of increasingly
responsible professional experience in public relations or communications. Experience
working in law enforcement or other public safety organization will be highly desirable.
In addition to this, possessing educational training equivalent to an Associate's degree
from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration,
journalism, communications, criminal justice, or related field is also required.
It is recommended that the hourly wage for the Media Communications Specialist be set
at Range PT22 ($30.00 /hr to $36.47/hr). Staff surveyed eight neighboring cities and
determined Range PT22 to be a reasonable rate for the distinction of work this position
will be performing.
FISCAL IMPACT
An annual budgeted amount of $30,000 has been budgeted in the Police Department's
adopted Fiscal Year 2014 -15 Operating Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the new classification specification for
Media Communications Specialist (part- time).
Approved.
Dominic Lazzare�
City Manager
Attachment: Media Communications Specialist Specification
CITY OF ARCADIA
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
1101510INN MIL
Under general supervision, to perform professional communications and marketing duties including
planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the Police Department's Social Media,
Instant Communication, and Community Engagement strategy and platforms. This position
may also conduct other administrative duties as assigned. This position will report directly to
the Office of the Chief of Police or his /her designee.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff.
EXAMPLES OF AIPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Proof read all materials produced for quality content, image, and accuracy.
Work with Departmental staff to plan, facilitate, and conduct social media outreach
activities related to crime prevention, public service announcements, and other promotional
programs and /or activities.
Engage in community relations and outreach in order to enhance Departments presence and
influence within the City and beyond.
Collaborate with the Community Affairs Office to market various programs, platforms,
and events.
Analyze, research, and prepare a variety of reports related to community engagement and
effectiveness of social media strategies.
Maintain and promote ongoing social media campaigns and communications strategy for
the Department to promote community engagement and presence.
Monitor social media channels for relevant information pertaining to the Arcadia Police
Department and /or the City of Arcadia.
Maintain and develop web content on behalf of the Department.
City of Arcadia
Media Communications Specialist (Continued) Page 2 of 4
Advise and provide staff assistance to the Department and other City staff on effective
social media and public information methods and procedures.
Prepare memorandums, presentations, news releases, articles, and other posts on behalf of
the Department.
Utilize a variety of graphics design software programs to design graphics for use in brochures,
newsletters, notices, forms, flyers, posters and other types of materials related to the
communications and marketing efforts of the Department.
Attend relevant training, networking, and other functions on behalf of the Department in
order to maintain current with technological advances.
May serve as a representative to the community, business, professional groups, and
organizations on behalf of the Department.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of community marketing, public relations, including conduct of
media relations relative to public- sector agencies
Social media analytics and research techniques
Printing techniques and style guidelines for writing press releases and publications
Mainstream social media channels and the target audiences
Methods of report preparation and presentation
State, Federal, and local communication regulations and requirements
Crime prevention issues
Standard office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and software
City of Arcadia
Media Communications Specialist (Continued) Page 3 of 4
Police and City structure and processes
Police Department and City policies and procedures
Current City activities
Skill to:
Operate modern office, computer equipment, and automated systems
Operate software and hardware programs related to social media engagement,
monitoring, and instant communications platforms from a remote site and /or home
Ability to:
Develop, plan, direct, and manage one or more public information functions
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate staff reports, new laws, regulations, and codes relevant
to the community /public information field and other assigned duties
Maintain confidentiality
Interpret policies, guidelines, and procedures
Develop recommendations and assist in making decisions of considerable impact
Work independently with minimal supervision
Track community engagement, growth, and measure effectiveness of social media
strategies
Administer City programs and coordinate work with other divisions, departments, and
outside agencies
Collaborate and work within the City Emergency Operations Center and associated
protocols
Work with the public and discuss problems and complaints tactfully, courteously, and
effectively
Coordinate and direct a variety of complex tasks and assignments simultaneously
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those
City of Arcadia
Media Communications Specialist (Continued) Page 4 of 4
contacted in the course of work
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public relations
or communications is required. Experience working in law enforcement or other
public safety organization is highly desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with
major course work in public administration, journalism, communications,
criminal justice, or related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment.
Effective Date: