Staff Assistant, Community Engagement and Public Relations Specialist

$55,000 - $57,000/Yr

Bridgewater State University - Bridgewater, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Bridgewater, MA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Staff Assistant, Community Engagement and Public Relations Specialist at Bridgewater State University plays a vital role in representing the Bridgewater State University Police Department (BSUPD) through public outreach, education, and information sharing. This position is under the supervision of the Assistant Chief of Police for Administration and Community Outreach and is responsible for creating, developing, coordinating, and implementing community outreach programs aimed at improving and maintaining relationships between the police and the community. The successful candidate will work closely with the Police-Community Liaison Officer and serve as a member of the department's community outreach and crime prevention team. This role is essential in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for the university's diverse community of over 12,000 students, faculty, and staff. The Staff Assistant will engage with university community members, disseminate information, and conduct public outreach to connect the BSUPD with the community. This includes sharing information through presentations, meetings, and training sessions, as well as maintaining the outreach calendar and recruiting sworn personnel for community activities. The position also involves developing and managing all departmental public-facing communications, including social media content across various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. The Staff Assistant will support the development and execution of social media campaigns, monitor channels for engagement, and contribute to content creation, including photography and graphic design. Additionally, the Staff Assistant will develop and implement marketing strategies for community outreach events, interpret program services, and create public awareness campaigns. The role requires a commitment to social justice, racial justice, and civic engagement, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. The position is full-time and may require flexible hours to accommodate evening and weekend events.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Bridgewater State University Police Department through public outreach and education.
• Assist in creating, developing, coordinating, and implementing community outreach programs.
• Work in conjunction with the Police-Community Liaison Officer to support community engagement efforts.
• Conduct public outreach and engage university community members in Police Department programs.
• Share information through presentations and meetings with student groups.
• Help eliminate barriers between the police and the community.
• Provide training within the BSUPD.
• Develop and maintain effective community and individual relationships.
• Collaborate with other university departments and offices.
• Co-chair the police-community advisory board with the Police-Community Liaison Officer.
• Use computer applications for work assignments, including maintaining the outreach calendar.
• Recruit sworn personnel for community activities.
• Represent the BSUPD at student meetings, events, and activities in an engaging manner.
• Develop and manage all departmental public-facing communications.
• Manage social media content and develop relevant content for various platforms.
• Support the development and execution of social media campaigns.
• Monitor social media channels and respond to comments in a timely manner.
• Contribute to content development, including photography and graphic design.
• Maintain up-to-date information on the department's website.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for community outreach events.
• Create and implement public awareness campaigns.

Requirements

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of diverse backgrounds.
• Passion for social justice, racial justice, and civic engagement.
• Experience working with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience managing professional social media accounts, especially Facebook and Instagram.
• Knowledge of principles promoting positive student development.
• Possess leadership and leadership development skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of preparation of complex policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to create, develop, and implement collaborative projects and initiatives.
• Problem-solving skills in a complex environment.
• Ability to identify, organize, prioritize, and schedule multiple job responsibilities.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Good judgment in unexpected or emergency situations.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public in stressful situations.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend community outreach events.

Nice-to-haves

• Community outreach specific experience.
• Familiarity with the BSU community and community resources.
• Experience working within a police department.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options