Communications Specialist

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 safe and healthy, in order to enhance their ability to maintain safer communities. Current programs include the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Training and Direct 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 , , and

Location Eligibility:

This position is not available to external applicants who are residents of the following states/jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. We encourage applications from qualified candidates in other locations.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Position Description

The communications specialist plays a key role in developing and delivering strategic communications that strengthen program visibility, engagement, and impact for grants supported by the Center for Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness. This position supports the creation of compelling content, supports digital and traditional marketing initiatives, and ensures brand consistency across platforms, collaborating with subject-matter experts, program staff, and external partners to tell powerful stories; promote events and initiatives; and deliver clear, consistent, and engaging messages to diverse audiences. The communications specialist must possess a keen knowledge of current communication strategies and trends and the needs and perspectives of key stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the law enforcement community. Promotional products include website content, social media content, and other marketing products (e.g., training flyers, talking points, social media platforms).

Responsibilities

• Content creation
• Assist in the development of engaging communications materials, including marketing packets, flyers, digital assets, and video content
• Create promotional template packages adaptable for multiple stakeholder needs
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts, law enforcement officers, and Multimedia staff to produce authentic, mission-driven content (e.g., interviews, testimonials, demonstrations)
• Ensure consistency of brand voice, style, logos, and disclaimers across all deliverables
• Digital strategy and campaigns
• Support digital marketing strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO), campaigns, and email marketing
• Design and launch targeted email campaigns that engage and inform stakeholders
• Develop, schedule, and publish content across multiple social media platforms, aligned with organizational style and strategic objectives
• Monitor emerging trends and platform updates to keep strategies modern and effective
• Analytics and performance
• Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance and audience engagement across digital channels
• Use metrics to inform and refine strategy, improve reach, and strengthen impact
• Collaboration and coordination
• Work closely with Multimedia, program support staff, and vendors to produce, distribute, and maintain high-quality communications materials
• Recommend appropriate channels, timing, and formats for the dissemination of promotional content
• Maintain and utilize a curated library of B-roll and other media assets for promotional use
• Strategic engagement
• Support the development and implementation of program marketing plans that highlight mission impact
• Ensure all content meets standards for quality, compliance, and accessibility
• General and administrative
• Manage logistics for promotional material distribution as needed
• Support team projects and initiatives with flexibility and professionalism
• Perform other related duties, as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years' directly related experience creating and developing promotional materials
• 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
• Detail oriented
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal 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
• Experience with Vimeo Enterprise or other video editing tools 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.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by managers, as appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and IIR reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as appropriate.

Required

• 2 year(s): Directly related experience creating and developing promotional materials

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Communication

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.