Public Safety & Justice Information Officer

Johnson County Iowa•Iowa City, IA

3d•$79,940 - $95,927•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 the public information officer for both offices. The role develops and implements communications strategies focused on public safety and criminal justice information and initiatives, collaborating with leadership to coordinate messaging. It engages the public with information about public safety and criminal justice resources and data, as well as support for mental and emotional well-being. The position evaluates communications efforts and identifies ways to improve them through social media, events, website content, and news releases. It participates in media and public interviews and coordinates with the Johnson County Communications Manager on planning, website content management, and social media. The role develops and maintains strategic communication plans and media relations, promotes public understanding of programs and services, prepares reports and communications materials, and coordinates public meetings and community events. The position 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. Candidates must pass a background check and hold a valid driver's license, with eligibility for coverage under county liability insurance. Use of a personal vehicle or equivalent transportation may be required for county business. The role may involve field work and work at various facilities, and requires a flexible schedule with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. The position is exempt and is classified as regular employment.

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.
Pass a background check.
Valid driver's license and eligibility for coverage under county liability insurance.
Knowledge of public and media relations, digital and social media, graphic design, basic criminal procedure, law enforcement and crime data, speech writing, storytelling, writing, editing, proofreading, public records and law-enforcement confidentiality requirements, public administration and government structure, open meetings and open records laws, English, and public speaking.
Ability to represent the county professionally and responsibly; interpret and communicate policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations; maintain confidentiality; and provide timely, accurate information while protecting the integrity of investigations and emergency responses.
Ability to collect data, maintain organized records, make informed recommendations, provide courteous customer service, and establish effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, elected officials, department heads, county employees, the public, and media representatives.
Ability to facilitate opportunities to improve community relations and use computers for data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, video editing, email, and internet research.
Ability to operate common office equipment and digital cameras, video cameras, microphones, PA systems, video recording equipment, and related equipment, including ADA accommodations.
Effective oral and written communication, organization, prioritization, independent work, ability to follow complex instructions, problem-solving, sound judgment in crises, and ability to handle moderate to high stress and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate clearly, with sufficient speech, hearing, and vision for the work, sufficient mobility for field work at various locations and facilities, and manual dexterity for handwritten notes and keyboard and mouse use.
Ability to lift, push, pull, carry, or move up to 35 pounds and to stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
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 promoting public safety, public knowledge of criminal justice, community outreach, and services to the Johnson County community.
Coordinate creation of marketing and outreach materials about public safety services and recruitment opportunities for deputies and careers 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.
Promote awareness and understanding of public safety programs, crime statistics, and services, and make 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 and identify improvements.
Coordinate public meetings, public safety press conferences, and community events to provide information and receive feedback on public safety issues.
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 needed 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.
Participate in cross-departmental communications opportunities with the Board of Supervisors Office communications staff.
Perform clerical duties, including filing, faxing, typing, and photocopying.
Participate in assigned internal and external committees and attend work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.
Perform duties in accordance with county policies, procedures, and safety practices, and attend work regularly.