Position Summary

Reporting to the Office of the Chief, the Corporate Communications Coordinator is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the Kingston Police communications strategy to promote initiatives, programs, and services; enhance partnerships and engagement with internal and external stakeholders; and strengthen brand reputation, while ensuring alignment with Kingston Police goals and strategic objectives.

Please note this position is a temporary 10-month pilot project with the Office of the Chief. The position will be reviewed upon completion. Salary is based upon a 40-hour work week, with a weekly schedule of 8-hour days, Monday to Friday. The position shall receive pay in lieu of benefits and vacation.

Company Bio

In partnership with the community, Kingston Police serves, supports and protects the safety of everyone in the City of Kingston. With over 200 police officers and 100 civilian employees, we strive to establish Kingston Police as an exemplary organization by inspiring public confidence, professionalism, accountable policing, and increased safety demonstrated through trusting relationships with partner agencies and the diverse members of the Kingston community.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a point of contact for the Kingston Police and provides advice and guidance regarding corporate communication, media, or social media-related practices, policies, or procedures.
• Plans, develops, and implements an internal and external communications strategy to promote Kingston Police initiatives, recruitment, programs, and services; enhance partnerships and engagement with stakeholders; and strengthen brand reputation.
• Develops, maintains and guards a brand management strategy that ensures the protection and promotion of the Kingston Police image in an appropriate, coordinated and consistent manner.
• Develops and delivers communications that align with accessibility standards, comply with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, and promotes principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Identifies and seeks new and innovative communication opportunities to bolster the Kingston Police brand and reputation externally, while fostering pride internally.
• Develops and maintains action plans for communication during critical incidents and or crisis situations.
• Plans, executes, and/or participates in various events, such as recruitment and organizational promotional activities.
• Responds to media inquiries or requests, ensuring accurate and timely communication while maintaining integrity, and confidentiality.
• Oversees media relations, which involves:

o Building and fostering positive and collaborative relationships with journalists, media outlets, and reporters.
o Drafting media releases, advisories, and statements.
o Collaborating with applicable Kingston Police members to gather information, review and approve media releases prior to distribution, and coordinate media appearances/interviews.
o Preparing speaking notes, talking points, or key messages.
o Distributing media content through appropriate communication channels and platforms.
o Attending crime scenes, monitoring and controlling media access within designated boundaries approved by the Lead Investigator, and conducting or facilitating onsite media interviews.
o Organizing and coordinating press conferences, interviews, media scrums, briefings, or other media events.

• Monitors and tracks media coverage, public perception, and social media channels for emerging issues, misinformation, or reputational risks; brings identified concerns or issues to the attention of the Chief of Police; and collaborates to address any concerns or issues.
• Administers and maintains the corporate social media accounts, the organization’s website and the ‘Alertable’ application.
• Develops, maintains, and updates a content calendar to coordinate the timely and efficient distribution of communication materials.
• Tracks, collects, and analyzes data related to communications, media relations, social media engagement, content performance, public sentiment/perception, and brand reputation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• University Degree or College Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of experience performing duties related to the major responsibilities of the position, including:

o Demonstrated experience working with the media and managing social media channels/platforms.

• Flexibility to be available after hours when needed.

ASSETS

• Working knowledge of following legislation and regulations as it relates to corporate communications and media relations within a policing work environment:

o Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
o Community Safety and Policing Act (Formerly Police Services Act)
o Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
o Youth Criminal Justic Act (YCJA)

• Basic knowledge of the following:

o The city of Kingston and surrounding local area communities.

• Working knowledge of following:

o Accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards and principles.
o Kingston Police Service’s mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
o Content creation methods and techniques, including writing, editing, and producing professional-quality digital and multimedia materials for various communication channels and platforms.
o Strategic communications, media relations, social media management, public relations, and brand management principles, including the development and implementation of strategies, plans, initiatives, and campaigns.

• Demonstrated ability to:

o Adapt and respond to changing situations and priorities.
o Assess the importance of work tasks to prioritize workload while working under pressure to meet deadlines or peak period demands.
o Develop and deliver impactful communication strategies, plans, initiatives, and campaigns.
o Develop, promote, and maintain effective and collaborative liaison with internal and external contacts always maintaining a high standard of public relations.

o Exercise discretion and judgement when handling confidential, sensitive, or controversial information.
o Interpret and analyze data, identify challenges or opportunities.
o Maintain accuracy when completing work tasks and proofread completed work to minimize the potential for errors or omissions.
o Operate cameras, microphones, lighting equipment, and other audio-visual tools to capture and produce engaging multimedia content.
o Work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as an effective team member.

• Basic level computer literacy utilizing the following:

o Graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop).

• Computer literacy utilizing the following:

o Graphic design software.
o Microsoft 365, such as Excel, Forms, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Teams, and Word.
o Police/records management systems, such as Versaterm RMS.
o Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
o Social media monitoring tools.
o Video editing software.
o Website/content management systems (CMS).

• Availability to accommodate deadlines, meeting/event attendance, or peak period workloads that may extend beyond the normal workday when required and occasionally without notice.

Closing Statement

Kingston Police hire on the basis of merit and are committed to reflecting the diversity of the Kingston community and Canada. We are also committed to ensure a non-discriminatory, barrier-free and accessible recruitment experience. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us by emailing recruitment@kingstonpolice.ca. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.