Public Information Officer - Sheriff

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Public Information Officer develops and communicates public information and media relations programs to keep the public informed about the Sheriff’s Office’s programs, accomplishments, operations, investigations, services, and incidents of public interest. The position supports transparency and promotes employee and community relations through strategic communications, marketing, public appearances, media engagement, and public presentations. The role coordinates with the Sheriff, Command Staff, agency personnel, county officials, media representatives, community groups, businesses, and other government agencies. It responds to crime, disaster, and other critical law enforcement scenes; conducts media interviews; prepares statements and news releases; and creates communications through outlets such as social media, the departmental website, newsletters, brochures, videos, news conferences, radio and television, and presentations. The position requires a 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. A valid driver’s license is required. Regular and predictable attendance is required; occasional on-call availability and irregular hours may be necessary.

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.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of journalism theories, principles, and practices.
Knowledge of grammar and the English language.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, media, and the public.
Knowledge of Hall County Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and activities, as well as applicable federal and state laws and local codes.
Knowledge of graphic design and printing processes, including layout techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with diverse audiences, organizations, and media in varied settings.
Ability to develop and deliver public presentations.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, and information according to office and governmental regulations.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to use and understand computer applications, equipment, technology, software, and techniques for creating newsletters, videos, and social media posts.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize assignments and activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply office regulations and procedures.
Ability to operate office and audio-visual equipment.
Ability to remain stationary, operate a computer and office machinery, think analytically, handle stress and emotion, concentrate, remember details, observe details, make decisions, adjust to change, direct others, meet deadlines, stay organized, perform calculations, and use a keyboard.
Ability to move about inside the office and move or transport items up to 10 pounds.
Ability to occasionally bend, twist, reach overhead, push or pull, and repetitively use hands, arms, or legs.
Ability to use effective verbal and written communication and hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation to operate equipment.

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 disseminating information to the media.
Conduct on-camera interviews and respond to media questions during press releases and critical events.
Publicize, promote, and market Sheriff’s Office programs, events, and incidents using 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 appropriate personnel to develop news releases about events of public interest.
Organize public appearances for the Sheriff and command-level officers, including media announcements and pre-appearance preparations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, media representatives, employees, and the public.
Develop comprehensive strategies to market the Hall County Sheriff’s Office locally, regionally, and nationally.
Assess marketing needs and develop, implement, and manage strategic communications campaigns and projects for residents and targeted audiences.
Perform other related duties and assigned work, and maintain regular and predictable attendance.