Public Affairs Coordinator

Brazoria County•Tx, TX

About The Position

Under the direction of the Public Affairs Director, the Public Affairs Coordinator serves as a community liaison, strengthening local partnerships and reinforcing the Sheriff’s Office mission and values through in-person and digital communications. The position manages social media content, supports public relations and crisis communications, coordinates community outreach, and builds positive relationships with the public, media, and community partners. The role develops and maintains social media campaigns and a content calendar; identifies opportunities for community engagement; represents the Sheriff’s Office at community events and public meetings; and supports crisis communications, including work in the Joint Information Center when activated. The Coordinator monitors news coverage, social media analytics, communications trends, public sentiment, and local issues; updates the Sheriff’s Office mobile app and webpage; and collaborates with the Public Affairs Director on community-based and digital media projects. Duties and training are regularly performed indoors and outdoors and may take place during natural or man-made disasters. The position may involve exposure to hazardous or adverse conditions, including extreme weather, biohazardous and toxic materials, high noise, high-voltage areas, heavy machinery, and spaces that may not meet safety or accessibility codes. Physical demands may include walking, running, crawling, standing, sitting, jumping, kneeling, bending, lying down for extended periods, handling medium objects, operating vehicles, and communicating in person, by telephone, and over emergency radios.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in communications, marketing strategy, social media, or public relations.
Advanced experience with social media platforms, editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, and analytical tools such as Hootsuite and Meta Business Suite.
Strong writing, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the local and state criminal justice system.
Intermediate proficiency with modern office equipment, software applications, and procedures.
Ability to become proficient in County and Department policies and procedures.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make well-reasoned decisions under high-stress conditions.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to foster productive, cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, external partners, public officials, and the general public.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Must be a United States citizen, born or naturalized.
Must have a working cell phone.
Vision must be no worse than 20/200 and correctable to 20/20.
Must have no convictions or court-ordered community supervision or probation for a criminal offense above Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.
Must have an honorable military discharge, if applicable.

Responsibilities

Cultivate high morale and a team culture within the Sheriff’s Office.
Develop social media campaigns and content for public safety awareness, community outreach, employee recognition, recruitment, crime prevention, and agency initiatives.
Maintain a content calendar covering graphics, short-form video, and copy.
Identify opportunities for community engagement through in-person events, social activities, and traditional media.
Build relationships with Sheriff’s Office personnel, media outlets, and community partners through routine outreach and emergency communications.
Represent the Sheriff’s Office at community events and public meetings, and assist with planning and staffing events as needed.
Support crisis communications during emergencies and work in the Joint Information Center if activated.
Become knowledgeable about the Sheriff’s Office Crisis Communications Plan.
Pursue professional development in communications, public relations, and related fields, and share that knowledge with other Sheriff’s Office members.
Monitor communications trends, public sentiment, and local issues to identify opportunities for timely, accurate, and proactive messaging.
Monitor news coverage and social media analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness and recommend improvements based on best practices for government and law enforcement entities.
Monitor and update the Sheriff’s Office mobile app and webpage content, including community resources and events, public notices, and career opportunities.
Strengthen public understanding and perception of the Sheriff’s Office mission, vision, and core values.
Report to the Public Affairs Director and collaborate on community-based and digital media projects.