Public Information Officer

Ada County•Boise, ID

About The Position

Plans, develops, and coordinates comprehensive community education, communication, crisis communication, and marketing strategies for the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. Serves as a primary source of timely, accurate public safety information during critical incidents, emergencies, and other events affecting the community. Provides direction on public information, internal information, and community relations activities, and publicizes the Sheriff’s Office’s progress, accomplishments, viewpoints, and programs. Creates video, photography, graphics, and other multimedia content, and develops and distributes print and digital media, primarily through Sheriff’s Office social media platforms. The position works 40 hours per week with schedule flexibility and on-call coverage that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The employee communicates availability and schedule weekly and arranges backup coverage when unavailable. Work takes place in an office and in the field at agency events, community events, and incident scenes. Field work may involve outdoor weather conditions and exposure to sensitive or potentially distressing subject matter, including crimes against children, sexual exploitation, death, and other traumatic incidents. The role may require lifting and carrying camera, audio, and lighting equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, as well as standing and walking for extended periods while filming or photographing events. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communication, or a related field and at least three years of experience in broadcast, media, or public relations. The employee must respond to crime scenes as requested, maintain a current valid Idaho Driver’s License, and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information. The position is designated safety sensitive and is subject to random drug testing. Before hire, candidates must appear before an oral board and complete a polygraph, credit check, and background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communication, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in broadcast, media, or public relations.
Experience using software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and Canva to create reports, graphics, and multimedia presentations.
Experience using video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, CapCut, and Edits.
Experience operating digital cameras, audio equipment, and lighting for photo and video production.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and standards for managing, storing, and disclosing confidential and public information, and of current public information management principles, techniques, methods, and objectives.
Knowledge of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and of current content trends and audience-engagement practices.
Knowledge of the role of law enforcement, the goals and objectives of news media organizations, and strategies used in advertising, marketing, and promotional activities.
Knowledge of strategic communication, crisis communication, and brand and reputation management principles and practices.
Ability to use public relations strategies and communication tools for internal and external public information programs.
Ability to exercise sound judgment when communicating policies, practices, achievements, philosophies, political positions, and events to the media, public, and employees.
Ability to develop, organize, and use public contacts and publicity and promotional strategies to promote community awareness and support.
Ability to write articles, informational releases, fact sheets, and speeches.
Ability to facilitate multimedia presentations for diverse internal and external groups.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to interpret data and use it to inform communication strategies and recommendations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Must appear before an oral board and complete a polygraph, credit check, and background investigation before hire.
Must respond to crime scenes as requested.
Must obtain and maintain a current valid Idaho Driver’s License.
Must maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, including details of active investigations and personnel issues.
Subject to random drug testing because the position is designated safety sensitive.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media outlets and individual reporters, and respond to media inquiries in a timely manner.
Schedule and facilitate news conferences, editorial meetings, and interviews with traditional media, podcast and YouTube hosts, and other media producers; coordinate requests from network television productions, including documentaries.
Compile background information and prepare talking points for the Sheriff and other Sheriff’s Office members for interviews and presentations.
Maintain media contact lists and the news-release distribution system.
Advise the Sheriff and command staff on strategic communication, public relations, information dissemination, and effective communication practices; provide media training to staff.
Develop and carry out crisis communication plans and serve as an agency spokesperson during critical incidents, emergencies, and other high-profile events.
Manage the Sheriff’s Office brand and public reputation, ensuring consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across platforms.
Write information releases and other communications about incidents, events, services, crime prevention, and community topics; select effective distribution methods.
Maintain a regular on-call schedule, including evenings and weekends, and respond to media in a timely manner.
Plan, film, and edit short- and long-form video content for social media, the public website, internal communications, and agency events.
Design and produce graphics, slide shows, displays, multimedia presentations, and other informational materials.
Provide event photography for academy graduations, retirements, award ceremonies, and other agency events, and capture photos for digital media.
Develop, schedule, and publish content across Sheriff’s Office social media platforms, and manage digital content for the public website.
Monitor social media platforms and respond to public comments and messages as appropriate.
Track social media analytics and report on content performance and audience engagement.
Maintain an organized library of photo, video, and graphic assets.
Keep the Sheriff’s Office administration informed about potential controversies and public issues involving law enforcement.
Perform related functions as required.