Public Safety & Justice Information Officer

Johnson County•Iowa City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Johnson County Attorney and the Johnson County Sheriff, the Public Safety & Justice Information Officer serves as public information officer for both the Office of the Johnson County Sheriff and the Office of the Johnson County Attorney. The position develops and implements communications strategies focused on public safety and criminal justice information and initiatives, working with both offices’ leadership to create effective, coordinated messaging. It engages the public and communicates available resources, information, data, and support related to public safety, criminal justice, and mental and emotional well-being. The officer evaluates and improves public safety and criminal justice communications through social media, events, website content, news releases, media interviews, and public presentations. The position coordinates with the Johnson County Communications Manager on planning, website content management, and social media. It also develops strategic communication plans; creates or coordinates outreach and marketing materials; maintains media relations and social media; researches and prepares public information; organizes community meetings and events; and conducts research and assessments to identify whether community needs are being met. The position performs clerical and committee duties and follows county policies, procedures, and safety practices. The role requires a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field and at least five years of progressively responsible communications experience involving writing, media relations, and public relations, including one year in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master's degree is preferred. A background check and a valid driver's license are required; the employee must be insurable under county liability coverage. Use of a personal vehicle or equivalent transportation may be required for official county business. The position may involve flexible hours and occasional evenings and weekends, field work at various locations, and physical activities including moving items weighing up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible communications experience involving writing, media relations, and public relations, including one year in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of public and media relations; digital and social media; graphic design; basic criminal procedure, law enforcement, and crime data; speech writing and storytelling; writing, editing, and proofreading; law-enforcement public-records and confidentiality requirements; public administration and government structure; open meetings and open records laws and processes; English grammar and usage; and public speaking.
Ability to represent Johnson County professionally, responsibly, and trustworthily; interpret and communicate office policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations; maintain appropriate confidentiality and information security; and serve as a media contact.
Ability to gather data, maintain organized records, make informed recommendations, provide courteous and responsive customer service, and build effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, elected officials, department heads, county employees, the public, and media representatives.
Ability to seek and facilitate opportunities to improve community relations; use computers for data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, video editing, email, and internet research; and operate common office and audiovisual equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage stress and deadlines, solve problems, respond to crises with good judgment, work independently, follow complex instructions, and present facts and opinions clearly.
Adequate speech and hearing for effective communication; sufficient vision to produce and review electronic and hardcopy materials; mobility for field work at various locations and facilities; manual dexterity for handwritten notes and keyboard and mouse use; and ability to lift, push, pull, carry, or move up to 35 pounds and stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach.
Ability to work a flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Must pass a background check.
Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured under county liability coverage; may need to use a personal vehicle or equivalent transportation for official county business.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strategic communication plans to promote public safety, increase public knowledge of criminal justice, and support community outreach and services.
Coordinate creation of marketing and outreach materials about public safety services, deputy recruitment, and career opportunities in criminal justice and public interest law.
Develop and maintain media relations and serve as the public safety and criminal justice public information officer for media inquiries.
Provide timely and accurate information to media while protecting the integrity of investigations and emergency responses.
Promote awareness and understanding of public safety programs, crime statistics, and services, including through public presentations.
Develop and maintain an annual public safety report to the community.
Conduct research and assessments to determine whether customer needs are being met or improved.
Coordinate public meetings, public safety press conferences, and community events to provide information and receive feedback.
Coordinate public safety and criminal justice news and website content, advertisements, and other public relations materials for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office.
Prepare news releases and media advisories, including researching information for their preparation.
Manage the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office social media presence across multiple platforms.
Arrange press conferences and serve as a media contact for both offices.
Participate in cross-departmental communications opportunities with the Board of Supervisors Office communications staff.
Perform general clerical duties, including filing, faxing, typing, and photocopying.
Participate in assigned internal and external committees and attend work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.
Perform work in accordance with county policies, procedures, and safety practices, and attend work regularly.