Public Information Officer for Public Safety (Finance)

The position promotes and protects the reputation of the University of South Florida's public safety activities, including serving as lead on public information for the USF Police Department and working with USF Emergency Management. Working in a highly proactive capacity, the PIO develops and executes a range of communications and marketing initiatives, including media relations activities, social media strategies and other outreach efforts, designed to enhance public awareness and trust within the university community and at local, state, and national levels. This role serves as the primary liaison between the Division of Public Safety and University Communications and Marketing and is the department's primary media contact. The PIO is also responsible for managing communications and marketing content creation, both digital and print, for external and internal stakeholders. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety with dotted line reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations in UCM.Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree -OR- equivalent combination of education and experience
3+ years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Experience in journalism, communications, public and/or media relations, preferably in law enforcement, public safety, or government.
• Proven experience managing digital platforms including websites and social media accounts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Florida public records laws.
• Proficiency with digital content tools (e.g., photo/video editing software, CMS platforms).
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including on-call responsibilities.
• Experience in crisis communication or emergency response messaging.
• Familiarity with law enforcement and emergency management operations.

Additional info for applicants:

• Ability to work non-standard hours, including on-call responsibilities.
• Work Schedule: Flexible hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
• This position is designated as essential personnel.
• This position requires a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check and Drug Screen

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

• Serves as the Division of Public Safety's primary media contact. Drafts and distributes press releases, manages media inquiries, coordinates press conferences, and prepares USFPD and any other appropriate public safety personnel for interviews.
• Maintains a professional rapport with media outlets. Responds to public and media records requests, collaborating with the USFPD Records Department and USF Office of General Counsel as needed.
• Manages and maintains USFPD's website and social media platforms. Develops and executes a digital media strategy to communicate public safety messages, department initiatives and emergency information when appropriate.
• Creates and publishes written and visual content across multiple channels, including emails to the USF community as needed and USFPD's annual report.
• Designs, develops, edits, and publishes a variety of additional content including brochures, newsletters, photo/video and marketing materials.
• Works closely with UCM to ensure timely information is shared with university leadership as needed. Collaborates regularly to utilize expertise offered through UCM, such as social media strategy, marketing and branding, media relations and other key functions.
• Plans and supports strategic communication and marketing initiatives for programs, services, and events. May make, or help prepare departmental leaders for, public presentations, including the development of materials such as speeches and talking points. May support planned community outreach events, open houses, and recruitment fairs to build public trust and engagement.
• Provides public information and communications support for the Division of Public Safety as needed with major, highly visible on-campus events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.