Public Safety Media/Communications Administrator

JOB
This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position. First review of applications will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, and weekly thereafter as needed.A Public Safety Media/Communications Administrator assumes full responsibility for planning, administering, directing, overseeing, and evaluating the activities and operations of personnel assigned to the Media Relations Office for the Police Department or Communications Public Information Office for the Fire and Medical Department. The Public Safety Media/Communications Administrator manages and directs a division within a public safety department and provides policy guidance and coordinates external and internal communication activities on behalf of the Police Chief or Fire Chief; facilitates the development and implementation of long- and short-range plans, policies, goals, objectives, and programs to provide the department with technical and administrative direction in meeting and maintaining departmental services standards; ensures media communications are delivered in an efficient and effective manner; and responds in emergency management situations and provides critical communication direction to the Chief and Executive/Senior Staff. This position will also oversee a division of the department responsible for both sworn and administrative staff. An employee in this class performs command level supervisory duties, advanced communications, branding, and marketing work regarding special initiatives. This position performs related duties as required.This position is responsible for coordinating the dissemination of information to the public, internal audiences, and other law enforcement agencies; and providing strategic communications counsel to the Chief and Executive/Senior Staff. This position develops and manages the communications strategy of public safety news and information through direct communication to the media, public, and internal staff for the assigned public safety department. This is accomplished through planning, organizing, and directing supervisors as they oversee specific functions within the division. This class is supervised by an Assistant Chief. This class is FLSA exempt-executive.Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.Minimum Qualifications. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related degree. Extensive (5+ years) professional-level experience in journalism, broadcasting, marketing, business administration, or related field; and two (2) years of supervisory experience.Special Requirements. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of the information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required (Police Department Assignment). Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures (Police Department Assignment).Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related degree is preferred. Experience in a municipal or government setting and/or public safety experience is preferred.