MCSO Communication Specialist I - Full-Time

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

2d•$56,299 - $73,892•Onsite

About The Position

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office hires professionals that desire to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and our community through excellent customer service, good judgment, and integrity while maintaining safe and secure facilities. If you are interested in making a difference in the community, positively influence others, and working for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, then MCSO wants you to come Join Our Team. Incumbents’ primary responsibilities of this position include, but not limited to, creating engaging content and sharing to various social channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.) updating social media posting schedules, replying to comments from followers, staying on top of current social media trends, measuring success of social media campaigns, developing a social media strategy to increase our branding and engaging and taking photos and video for agency events. The ideal candidate is bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish), self-motivated, a team player, takes initiative and can be trusted to work independently and will represent the Sheriff’s Office with the utmost professionalism and positively. The position requires strong organizational and multitasking skills, as well as excellent written communication and copywriting skills. Please note, flexibility in schedule and ability to work nights/weekends is required to attend community events as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communication or related field
Four years of public relations experience
Proven work experience with social media
Knowledge of search engine optimization
Flexibility in schedule
Ability to work nights/weekends is required to attend community events as needed
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Excellent written communication and copywriting skills
Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish)

Nice To Haves

This position may require a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Manage internal and external communications, as assigned.
Perform research; stay informed of the latest social media trends, MCSO media coverage, and SEO best practices; gather and evaluate data and information for communication planning and delivery; monitor and recommend communication opportunities and technologies that align with goals and strategies of assignment; evaluates communications results.
Serve as a department liaison and provides communications support; assist with media inquiries; coordinate departmental response to information requests and inquiries; participate in meetings; facilitate the provision of responses and solutions to customer concerns.
Prepare and coordinate content for news releases, announcements, newsletters, and presentations; edits departmental communications; gathers and edits content; writes articles; prepares speaking points; coordinates and evaluates correspondence, management reports, and information released to the media.
Provide media relations support focusing on community outreach, audience targeting and engagement; plans, creates, monitors and edits web content and campaign communications; coordinates social media communications and selects appropriate platforms.
Identify, develop, implement and maintain processes and practices that encourage, support and promote effective, comprehensive and meaningful citizen engagement.
Participate and provide event and special project coordination and support of promotional items, communications and related resources.
Attend agency events (weekdays and select weekends) to cover the agency’s initiatives while creating connections within the community.
Produce engaging short-form content, including reels and TikToks, along with drafting captions and hashtags, and preparing posts for approval.
Pitch and develop platform-specific strategies, campaigns, and marketing products.
Perform a variety of administrative activities in support of the public information office, which may include addressing letters for mailing; compiling information for packets; setting up rooms for meetings; delivering informational packets; making directional signs for meetings; and/or, performing other related activities.
Prepare, edit and design publications and brochures; review and verifies style; coordinate and/or build graphics and layout; capture, take and/or select photographs; prepare and gather content; and coordinate print materials production.