Senior Communications Specialist - Institute for Intergovernmental Research

The Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) is a Florida-based, nonprofit corporation specializing in criminal justice (law enforcement focus) and homeland security issues. In addition to several other national justice programs and projects, IIR's Center for Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness manages national-level officer safety and wellness programs that support state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, their agencies, and families in their efforts to strengthen their strategies, techniques, and behaviors to ensure that officers and agencies are healthy and able to answer the public safety needs in their communities. Current programs include the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Training and Technical Assistance Program, the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program, CorWellness: A National Corrections Safety and Wellness Initiative, the forthcoming National Prison Partnership website, and as a partner with the National Policing Institute on the National Law Enforcement Roadway Safety Program. For more information, visit the available program websites at www.valorforblue.org, www.safleo.org, and www.leoroadwaysafety.org.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Position Description

The senior communications specialist within the Center for Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness (LESW) will be responsible for producing high-quality, accurate, and insightful written reports/assessments and creating engaging content across various media to ensure that programmatic deliverables align with the programs' missions and exceed client expectations. This position must possess strong writing skills, competence in synthesizing research, and the capacity to convey complex information in a clear and compelling manner. In addition, this position should have a keen knowledge and awareness of current communication strategies and trends and the needs and perspectives of key stakeholders, including the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the law enforcement field.

Responsibilities

• Gather, analyze, and synthesize data from multiple sources to produce comprehensive reports/assessments
• Work closely with BJA and program staff to define report/assessment objectives, scope, and deliverables
• Coordinate with subject-matter experts and law enforcement to gather information (interviews, testimonials, and demonstrations) with the goal of producing focused content within the prescribed style
• Compose well-structured and compelling reports/assessments that effectively communicate research findings, insights, and recommendations
• Collaborate with IIR quality control and multimedia personnel to create an accurate, error-free, style-consistent, and graphically appealing report/assessment
• Develop creative and informative content for various platforms and products, including talking points, meeting minutes, website copy, social media content, print products, marketing materials, and programmatic resources
• Assist in the writing and review of program progress reports and grant application packages
• Other duties, as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field required
• Minimum four years of directly related experience creating reports/assessments, developing promotional materials, and/or writing grant applications or a combination of education and professional experience in communications or marketing
• Strong interpersonal skills and business acumen to interact with many different departments and decision-makers within and outside the organization, including subject-matter experts and law enforcement officers
• Highly detail-oriented and exceptional writing skills
• Strong personal and professional values
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Most work is performed in a highly productive and fast-paced virtual office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Employees must be able to maintain a quiet, noise-free remote office space that is free of distractions. Some assignments may require travel.

Candidates who have accepted an offer will be required to submit to a background investigation, including criminal history, employment history, educational history, and personal and professional references.