Outreach and Communications Specialist

The City of Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) is seeking an Outreach and Communications Specialist to market, promote, and disseminate information regarding the department's various projects/initiatives and emergency public information. This position will collaborate with the City's Director of Communication and work closely with the Chief of Police in this vital role. If this sounds appealing to you, apply today to be considered for this opportunity! The Outreach and Communications Specialist is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $23.46 - $25.81 per hour (equivalent to $48,796 - $53,684 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy. You're the ideal candidate for this position if you enjoy performing a variety of work in marketing, outreach, and media relations involving the preparation of promotional materials and the development of marketing plans/activities. In this role, you'll have an opportunity to work in a state-accredited agency, collaborate with all divisions of the Police Department to capture material to be distributed and highlighted to the general public, and manage the departmental website/webpages and social media platforms. A detailed list of essential functions along with the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is available in the Outreach and Communications Specialist class specification.

Minimum Requirements:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:
  • Associate degree with coursework in marketing, communications, public administration, journalism, or related field and demonstrated experience effectively communicating programs/events through social media outlets.
  • Some experience in public relations, volunteer management, and special projects and events coordination and management.
• Experience in local government and/or public safety is preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Availability to work outside of normal business hours as business needs dictate.
• Click here to view the physical requirements for this position.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:

• DMV record review; and
• Criminal background investigation, including VCIN Database Query and Fingerprinting*.

• Due to the sensitive nature of information available through the performance of this position's essential functions, the successful applicant selected for the role will be subject to a criminal background investigation and fingerprinting by the Harrisonburg Police Department. At a later date, more information will be provided to the candidate selected for those steps in this process.

To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 11/06/2025)

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health and Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account
• Virginia Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Plan through MissionSquare
• Employee Assistance Program