Lieutenant - Public Information Officer

Arapahoe County • Centennial, CO

2d • $153,672 - $166,585

About The Position

The Lieutenant - Public Information Officer (Sworn), under general direction of the Undersheriff, oversees the day-to-day operations and implementation of marketing, media relations, and internal and external communication programs carried out by the Public Information Unit for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. This position works closely with Sheriff’s Office Command Staff to determine appropriate communications strategies for communication with employees and the public.  This position will be designated as a Lieutenant position.

Requirements

• Must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities associated with Deputy/Sergeant/Lieutenant level that typically exist within County Sheriff Offices.
• Working knowledge of Colorado Open Records Act and Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain websites and social media sites.
• Knowledge of law enforcement public relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including demonstrated ability to write media releases and respond appropriately to media questions both on and off camera.
• Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely manner and to use discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Strong written communication skills which include, English usage, composition, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Excellent computer skills, to include software such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and a basic level working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographical aspects of the County.
• EDUCATION: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field as approved by the Sheriff.
• EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years’ experience at the rank of Sergeant or above.  Must have a background/experience in communications.
• OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience, as approved by the Sheriff.
• CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: Must be POST certified in the state of Colorado or able to obtain a provisional POST certification in Colorado before being hired and must become POST certified within the required time limits as established by Colorado POST.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command and/or FBI National Academy or similar law enforcement command level school.
• Must possess current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License.  Driving is required for this position.
• Acceptable background information, including no history of criminal activity, and the ability to maintain background acceptability.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• Previous PIO experience, preferably in a law enforcement agency.
• Patrol experience as a POST certified peace officer.
• Intermediate experience in Adobe Suite.
• Experience with web development.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with the Sheriff, develops and implements the Sheriff’s Office public affairs community and media relations, policies, programs, and strategies; creates or updates communication, crisis communication, and strategic plans to include social media. Sets and oversees annual goals and objectives for the Public Information Unit, in furtherance of the Sheriff’s Office mission.
• Oversees the civilian PIO and Public Affairs Liaison to include, but not limited to, conducting performance appraisals, approving time, and counseling/coaching subordinates.
• Oversees content production for all Sheriff’s Office information distribution channels, which include the website, intranet, social media platforms, annual report, newsletters, articles, brochures, and marketing collateral.
• Serves as the Sheriff’s Office spokesperson for law enforcement events and routine public safety matters. Responds to incidents involving media presence and remains until released by the Incident Commander. Collaborates with emergency personnel to gather and verify releasable information, and coordinates communications during multi-agency responses.
• Maintains proactive communication on media, public relations, and crisis issues. Drafts and distributes news releases, responds to media inquiries, and pitches story ideas on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office. Represents the Sheriff’s Office at public meetings and maintains strong relationships with local media.
• Manages the brand identity of the Sheriff’s Office, which includes the development and maintenance of branding guides, and adjustments to Sheriff’s Office logo, as necessary, for marketing collateral and other needs.
• Develops and coordinates external messaging for staff when they are providing information to the public forums such as community meetings, events, and other contexts.
• Serves as the Sheriff’s Office liaison to city and county emergency planning agencies. Works with the Office of Emergency Management to develop and improve employee preparedness and communication for emergency situations. Staffs the media communication center and/or works as the field PIO liaison in the event of a major disaster. Prepares and updates notebook of media relations procedures to follow in emergency situations.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and other correspondence. Works with records personnel and the County Attorney’s Office to facilitate public records requests and help ensure that related laws are followed.
• Maintains proofs for the Accreditation Unit.
• Coordinate and direct the activities of a Section/Unit within the Agency, assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow, review and evaluate work, methods and procedures.
• Develop work schedules and assignments for the Section including requests for time off, training requests, on call schedules, and ensures appropriate staff is maintained.
• Conduct performance reviews and oversee and hold subordinate personnel responsible for objective performance reviews.
• Counsel subordinates to define problem areas and develop avenues for improvement.
• Identify and provide training needs of employees as resources permit.
• May investigate and/or respond to citizen/inmate complaints and take action where necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, per the full Lieutenant job description, which can be obtained by contacting Sheriff’s Office Human Resources.

Benefits

• Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office employees are provided benefits to include, but not limited to, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.
• Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office employees participate in a mandatory defined benefit program designed to help employees establish a source of income for retirement years. Through the Plan, eligible employees set aside 9.00% of their salary on a pretax basis of which the County matches at 10.00%. The County also contributes 6.2% to Social Security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager