Sheriff's Community Engagement Manager

County of Sonoma (CA)•Santa Rosa, CA

45d•$144,971

About The Position

The Sheriff's Community Engagement Manager connects the Sheriff's Office to our community and manages the activities of the Community Engagement Unit. As one of the faces of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, you will cultivate important relationships with the community members of Sonoma County, the media, and other government and non-governmental organizations in an effort to further enhance the public service mission of the Sheriff's Office. This position is fast-paced and dynamic. You will maintain visibility within diverse communities to foster accessibility and trust, and assist them in gaining a clear understanding of the many programs and services that are available through the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. In support of these efforts, you will coordinate "Coffee with a Cop", open houses, and community listening sessions, as well as partner with schools for youth mentorship/educational programs. In this position, it is vital to stay informed on community demographics and emerging social issues, and you will prepare reports summarizing outreach efforts/program effectiveness and recommend improvements to Sheriff's Office leadership. You will also draft talking points and briefing materials for Sheriff's Office leadership ahead of public engagements, and respond to inquiries or complaints from the public. Due to the flexibility needed for this position, work hours may vary.

Requirements

Skillful communicator with extensive experience in public relations
Passionate about community engagement and public safety
Creativity and the ability to work independently
Adaptability to changing situations and the ability to shift priorities as needed
Strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills
Experience in community engagement, public affairs, legislative affairs, media relations, or law enforcement operations
Familiarity with media and social media communication methods; law enforcement organization and functions; and cultural competency in working with diverse communities
Understanding of how to develop and implement outreach campaigns, organize community events, and managing staff and volunteers
Experience drafting press releases, newsletters, and public information materials
Proficiency with computers and communication software, such as Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Creative Suite, social media, and content management systems
Experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, three years experience, at a professional level, working in public information or public education program would provide the necessary qualifying experience.
Any combination of education and/or training which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with academic course work in public administration, communications, journalism, public information, education, water-related science, or a closely related field would provide such an opportunity.
Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Considerable knowledge of: the principles, techniques and methods of public relations, principles and techniques of learning theory and motivation; principles and methods of program management and evaluation; fundamentals of instruction and curriculum and lesson plan development; principles and practices of public relations; fundamentals of public speaking; principles, techniques and methods of preparing information, news releases, and instructional materials including graphics and written copy; principles of supervision, training and performance management; group facilitation techniques; and generally accepted rules of English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax.
Ability to: communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise and effective manner; exercise discretion and sensitivity in interpreting and communicating Agency policies and programs; develop creative and visually attractive public information materials; speak publicly, both formally and extemporaneously, before a variety of diverse groups in an effective manner; present technical information and supportive materials; analyze problems quickly, examine alternatives and recommend solutions or determine a course of action; coordinate, plan, and schedule appropriate public relations strategies to inform the public on Agency issues or projects; establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, community groups, business leaders, government officials, members of the media, and Water Agency staff, and the general public in a variety of settings; and, use a variety of software applications relative to desk-top publishing and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Training in crisis communications, community engagement, event planning, digital outreach, and/or social media management
Familiarity with photo/video editing and multimedia presentation tools
Bilingual English/Spanish skills

Responsibilities

Connect the Sheriff's Office to our community
Manage the activities of the Community Engagement Unit
Cultivate important relationships with the community members of Sonoma County, the media, and other government and non-governmental organizations
Maintain visibility within diverse communities to foster accessibility and trust
Assist communities in gaining a clear understanding of the many programs and services that are available through the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
Coordinate "Coffee with a Cop", open houses, and community listening sessions
Partner with schools for youth mentorship/educational programs
Stay informed on community demographics and emerging social issues
Prepare reports summarizing outreach efforts/program effectiveness and recommend improvements to Sheriff's Office leadership
Draft talking points and briefing materials for Sheriff's Office leadership ahead of public engagements
Respond to inquiries or complaints from the public

Benefits

Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education