Community Relations Specialist

Alachua County Sheriff's Office • Sheriff's Admin Building, FL

1d

About The Position

The Community Relations Specialist performs highly responsible professional work requiring specialized knowledge and experience in law enforcement, community outreach programs, and event planning. The Specialist helps plan and coordinate logistics for community events, develops community partnerships, and provides outreach. The role supports scheduling, planning, and implementing community outreach programs and establishes and maintains open communication and good rapport between the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and the communities it serves.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Government and Community Relations Manager. Performance is evaluated through conferences, observation, results obtained, oral and written reports, and employee performance appraisals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current, valid Florida driver license.
• Type at least 30 words per minute.
• Good interpersonal skills and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of English grammar, public relations principles, and planning and scheduling public participation programs.
• Good writing and computer skills.
• Strong self-discipline and ability to multitask.
• Ability to draft and disseminate information in writing or electronically, conduct individual or mass-media briefings, and handle or resolve potentially difficult situations.
• Ability to communicate ideas and initiatives effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administration, coworkers, other agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods, see and hear within a normal range, communicate fluently in English, ambulate independently, lift or carry 25 pounds, bend and squat, use manual dexterity, and drive a vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or higher, preferably in Public Relations, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.
• Mentoring experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Adobe Photoshop/Creative.

Responsibilities

• Update the Community Services calendar daily with community events and related planning, scheduling, personnel, supply purchasing, event records, and reports.
• Schedule and attend meetings and events that benefit the ACSO mission or are requested by Community Services.
• Establish community partnerships to support and fund outreach programs.
• Develop community contacts throughout the county to address community needs and create or facilitate programs that serve citizens.
• Plan, conduct, and coordinate activities involving public participation or information dissemination.
• Work with the ACSO Public Information Office to ensure information is disseminated to the public properly and promptly.
• Make speeches and conduct presentations on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Assist with coordinating or facilitating special details and events, including outreach and educational programs.
• Perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED