Public Information Officer - Sheriff
About The Position
The Public Information Officer develops and communicates public information and media relations programs, services, and activities to keep the public informed about the Sheriff’s Office programs, accomplishments, and current issues. The role promotes transparency concerning Sheriff’s Office operations, investigations, services, and incidents of public interest. The position coordinates communications and special projects, responds to critical law enforcement and disaster scenes to support media communications, conducts interviews, and publicizes the Sheriff’s Office through a broad range of media and community channels. It works with the Sheriff, Command Staff, employees, media representatives, government agencies, businesses, and community groups to prepare and distribute information and develop strategic communications and marketing campaigns. The role requires regular and predictable attendance. Occasional on-call availability and irregular hours may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations or a related field and two years of public relations or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and techniques.
- Knowledge of journalism theories, principles, and practices.
- Knowledge of grammar and English usage.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, media, and the public.
- Knowledge of Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and activities, and relevant federal and state laws and local codes.
- Knowledge of graphic design and printing processes, including layout techniques.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with diverse audiences and in varied settings.
- Ability to develop and deliver public presentations.
- Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, and information in accordance with office or governmental regulations.
- Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
- Ability to use computer applications, equipment, technology, software, and techniques to create newsletters, videos, and social media posts.
- Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize assignments and work activities.
- Ability to understand and apply office regulations and procedures.
- Ability to operate office and audio-visual equipment.
- Ability to meet the position’s physical, sensory, and environmental requirements, including computer and office machinery use, communication, fine manipulation, and working with others or alone.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate activities, programs, and special projects that promote employee and community relations.
- Respond to crime scenes, disaster scenes, and other critical law enforcement operational scenes to assist with dissemination of information to the media.
- Conduct on-camera interviews and respond to media questions during press releases and critical events.
- Publicize and promote Sheriff’s Office programs, events, and incidents through news releases, newsletters, social media, the departmental website, brochures, speeches, consumer publications, radio and television appearances, in-house videos, news conferences, community presentations, and slide shows.
- Work with staff, community groups, government agencies, businesses, and other sources to keep the public informed; prepare and distribute statements; conduct interviews; and provide media coaching to staff as needed.
- Coordinate with the Sheriff, Command Staff, and other agency personnel to develop news releases about events of public interest.
- Organize public appearances for the Sheriff and command-level officers and coordinate preparations, including public announcements through the media.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Hall County officials, media representatives, employees, and the public.
- Coordinate comprehensive strategies for marketing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Assess marketing needs and develop, implement, and manage strategic communications campaigns and projects that reach, inform, and involve residents or targeted audiences.
- Perform other related duties and assigned work.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
