Public Safety Information Officer

Executive Communication & Marketing

The successful candidate will play a key role in crafting and disseminating campus safety communications for the University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) as well as the University at large as a member of Mizzou's Marketing and Communications Division. This position, which reports to the Director of media relations and public affairs, manages critical emergency notification systems, supports emergency planning, leads public safety messaging, collaborates closely with campus partners and serves as a spokesperson for the University on campus safety and related issues.

Key Responsibilities:
Emergency Communications and Notification Systems

• Lead the operation and maintenance of the RAVE emergency notification system, including IPAWS texting functionality.
• Review and update prewritten RAVE notifications monthly to ensure accuracy, compliance and readiness.
• Participate in an assigned rotation to monitor the RAVE phone after hours and respond in person if media are present.
• During emergent situations, collaborate with sworn MUPD staff to issue media releases, crime alerts and follow up communications. Respond after hours when incidents occur during assigned rotation.

Emergency Management and Safety Planning

• Assist with developing and updating emergency management plans for campus stakeholders at the direction of the MUPD chief as time allows.
• Provide communications support to Emergency Management, including building a calendar of training sessions, events and corresponding safety messaging.
• Create and maintain a list of semester specific student safety messages in alignment with Student Affairs communications, including promotion of the Mizzou Safe App.
• Attend meetings with PIOs from local law enforcement and emergency response agencies to build relationships and represent MUPD communication needs.

Public Affairs, Media and Content Development

• Serve as a spokesperson for campus safety-related media inquiries, following established procedures and coordinating with subject matter experts across MUPD, Student Affairs and other university units.
• Provide backup spokesperson support for non safety-related issues as needed.
• Draft and update media statements, key messages and approved talking points, maintaining an organized archive.
• Review MUPD crime data and gather officer insights to develop recommendations for news releases, safety tips and story ideas for the University's digital publication, Show Me Mizzou.
• Promote crime prevention programs by publicizing and attending select events, taking photos and supporting communication efforts.
• Support development and distribution of MUPD recruitment communications in partnership with the University's marketing team.

Campus Safety and Digital Communications

• Develop safety communication strategies targeted to faculty, staff and students.
• Maintain and update the MUPD website to ensure accuracy, clarity and usability.
• Administer MUPD social media channels, ensuring timely and accurate safety information.
• Collaborate with University partners to coordinate messaging to students and families regarding lot towing schedules and parking changes.
• Review and update MUPD emergency reporting policies at the start of each semester, including charts and related documentation.

8a-5p, additional hours and weekends as needed. Regular on-call shifts will be part of this position's responsibilities.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

At least two years of experience in communications; a working knowledge of law enforcement practices and emergency communications.

Salary Range: $64,000 - $74,000 annually

Grade: GGS-11

University Title: Senior Strategic Communications Consultant

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume, cover letter

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.