Public Information Officer - Sheriff

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the development and communication of a variety of public information and media relations programs, services and activities designed to keep the public informed of the Sheriff’s Office programs and accomplishments on current issues. This position is responsible for developing transparency within the community in regards to sheriff’s office operations, investigations, services and incidents of public interest.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate a variety of activities, programs, and special projects within the government to promote employee and community relations.
• Respond to crime scenes, disaster scenes and other critical law enforcement operational scenes to assist with the dissemination of information to the media.
• Conduct on-camera interviews and respond to specific questions from the media during press releases and critical events.
• Publicize, promote, and market the varied programs, events, and incidents of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office using a variety of outlets such as news releases, newsletters, social media, departmental website, brochures, speeches, consumer publications, radio and television appearances, in-house videos, news conferences, community presentations, and slide shows.
• Interact with professional and technical staff, community groups, other government agencies, businesses, and other sources to keep the public informed of pertinent incidents, situations or events; prepares and distributes statements; conducts in-person television, radio, or newspaper interviews as requested; provides media coaching to staff as needed.
• Coordinate with the Sheriff, Command Staff, and other appropriate agency personnel to develop news releases related to events of public interest.
• Organize public appearances for the Sheriff and other command level officers; coordinates all pre-appearance preparations to include public announcements through the media.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Hall County officials, representatives of various media, employees and the public.
• Coordinate the development of comprehensive strategies and approaches for marketing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office locally, regionally and nationally.
• Assesses marketing needs and conceptualizes, develops, implements and manages strategic communications campaigns and projects that reach, inform and involve residents and/or targeted audiences.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Performs other relevant work as assigned.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or related field with two years of public relations or related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • None.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of public relations principles, practices and techniques.
  • Knowledge of journalism theories, principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of grammar usage and the English language.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other employees, media and the general public.
  • Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, as well as federal and state laws and local codes, as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Public Information Officer.\
  • Knowledge of the elements of the graphic design and printing processes including layout techniques.
  • Ability to communicate effectively by written and oral means with a wide variety of people, organizations and the media in a variety of settings.
  • Ability to develop and deliver public presentations.
  • Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to office and/or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
  • Ability to utilize and understand computer applications, equipment, technology, software and techniques as necessary in the creation of newsletters, videos, and social media posts in the completion of daily assignments.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
  • Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the office.
  • Ability to operate office and audio-visual equipment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

• Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.
  • Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.
  • Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.
• Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.
• Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major respon­sibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specifica­tion.