Communications Coordinator - Courts

Pima County•Lakeside Park South, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As directed serves as liaison and spokesperson for the court to the media and the public on court programs, processes and cases; develops and implements as directed programs to enhance the court's relationship with the community; produces court publications as directed, and develops, executes and implements effective video, film, audio and other media projects. This is an unclassified position that reports to the Superior Court Administrator and serves at the pleasure of the administrator and the Presiding Judge. The incumbent performs duties under general supervision and has no direct supervision responsibilities, but may provide work direction for office support staff, volunteers or other intermittent staff.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, marketing, public relations, law, legal studies, paralegal studies or related field, and four years of experience in publishing informational material, media relations, journalism, or a related field; OR, a minimum of eight years of directly related experience in public/media relations, marketing, and/or publishing informational materials to news media or the public; OR, any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by Human Resources.
Must have knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, journalism, and news media protocol.
Must have knowledge of Arizona public records laws, confidentiality requirements, and Supreme Court Rule 123 compliance.
Must have the ability to readily develop an understanding of court processes, policies, rules and statutes relating to the duties of the position.
Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with, judges, court staff, public officials, the news media, community leaders and the general public.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of court employees, the media and the general public.
Must have knowledge and skill at using computer software for word processing, desktop publishing, presentation (e.g., PowerPoint), Internet access, data collection, retrieval, research, and the operation of still and video photographic and audio-visual equipment.
Must have the knowledge of how to construct public service programs and the use of print and electronic media resources.
Must have knowledge of social media and other communications technologies pertinent to the duties of the position.
Must have strong business and creative writing skills and strong professional public speaking skills and the ability to draft clear, accurate, and legally compliant written responses to public inquiries and records requests.
Must have the project management skills to coordinate multiple projects with simultaneous attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

Advises the presiding judge and other judges, the court administrator and division directors regarding communications with the media.
May serve as liaison, as requested, or directed, between members of the bench and the media.
Assists court administration in responding to information requests to comply with Supreme Court Rule 123.
Prepares and issues, as directed, written responses to public records and information requests in compliance with applicable laws and court rules.
Coordinates with court administration and legal counsel to ensure accuracy and compliance in responses to public information.
Maintains logs of public information requests and ensures timely responses in accordance with statutory requirements.
Assists judicial divisions with requests by media for camera coverage of court events.
Prepares and releases information to the public and the media on topics such as the budget, goals and priorities of the court, and the procedures and practices involved in achieving these goals.
Coordinates and facilitates the court’s public outreach programs including, for example, “Courts Are Us,” Law Day programs, the Courthouse Gallery, a speakers’ bureau, appearances at career days, presentations for court visitors and other appropriate programs.
Develops, recommends, and implements as directed strategies and programs that provide comprehensive outreach to the citizens of Pima County.
Serves as a member of the superior court website and other committees as assigned.
Coordinates the production and distribution of the court’s newsletter, prepares the court’s annual report and other publications as directed, and coordinates the implementation of various surveys as requested.
Develops and recommends the content, format and design of printed, audiovisual and electronic materials made available to the public such as annual reports, fliers, brochures, directories, videotapes, other publications and presentations.
Takes pictures and videotape to augment written materials.
Stays current on new and evolving technologies (and their uses) associated with the roles of the position and advises court administration and the Presiding Judge on the appropriateness of those technologies in the court setting.
Reviews publications and presentations produced by others related to court programs and practices for quality and appropriateness and makes recommendations as appropriate.
Evaluates the communications effectiveness of court outreach programs, assesses program communication needs and makes modifications as necessary.
Provides similar functions and services, as directed by the Presiding Judge, to the Juvenile Court Center and the Pima County Justice Court.
Develops and presents a diverse range of materials using a variety of media to inform, persuade and generate enthusiasm and support for court services, programs and activities.
May supervise the work activities of office support staff, volunteers or other intermittent staff as program needs dictate.
Performs other duties associated with community and media outreach and relations as assigned by the Court Administrator.

Benefits

Retirement Plan
Vacation, holidays, and sick leave
100% paid parental leave
Employer-paid Short -term Disability
Tuition Reimbursement
Health Wellness discount program
Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits
Paid Training with Advancement Opportunities
Upon yearly anniversary, 56 hours of sick time accrued, less usage, may be rolled over to vacation time.
The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County and the Pima County Juvenile Court Center offer the same benefits as those offered to other employees working for Pima County.
We offer a competitive benefits package to benefits eligible employees, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation and sick leave.
Some benefits require contributions by employees in addition to contributions made by the employer.
Pima County Benefits
Retirement Plan participation is mandatory for all eligible employees to include a mandatory pre-tax pay deduction.
Full-time employees of government organizations may be able to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.