Law Enforcement Public Information Officer

About the Department

Washington County Attorney's office is hiring for a Special Project Law Enforcement Public Information Officer position. The Law Enforcement Public Information Officer strategically plans the creation and dissemination of information about the County Attorney’s Office, advises the County Attorney and their staff on public relations efforts and serves as the primary contact person for the County Attorney related to media inquiries.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

Position Duties

The Law Enforcement Public Information Officer strategically plans the creation and dissemination of information about the County Attorney’s Office, advises the County Attorney and their staff on public relations efforts and serves as the primary contact person for the County Attorney related to media inquiries.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, marketing, mass communications, political science, public administration or a related field of study plus five years of experience in public relations or communications.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE 

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job. 

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, or ability to learn, quality/continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates knowledge of communications strategies and techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge of publication production.
• Demonstrates knowledge of AP writing style.
• Demonstrates knowledge of effective use of digital communications and social media.
• Demonstrates knowledge of business and political implications of decisions.
• Demonstrates ability to coach others to be effective with media relations.
• Demonstrates ability to work well in group problem solving situations and gains cooperation through respect and competency.
• Demonstrates ability to produce and judge photographic content.
• Demonstrates ability to present ideas and information in a manner that gets attention without sending unintended messages, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time. 

Other Qualifications

1. Lead Public Information efforts for the County Attorney and their staff.

2. Develop overall Public Information strategy and plan for the Attorney’s Office.

3. Manage multiple projects at once and consistently meet deadlines.

4. Provide strategic messaging support.

5. Provide accurate information to the public as needed.

6. Write and oversee design of County Attorney’s internal and external newsletters.

7. Develop communication plans before and during large events, trials, crises or emergencies.

8. Write press releases.

9. Serve as the first point of contact for the media.

10. Works directly with reporters on a variety of projects.

11. Identify story elements and photographs for release to the media.

12. Review printed materials for the County Attorney’s to ensure accuracy and consistency.

13. Assist in the development of presentations for the County Attorney.

14. Oversee the web and social media postings for the County Attorney.

15. Provide presentation information and coaching to the County Attorney.

16. Prepare County Attorney for interviews.

17. Coordinate the Community Engagement efforts for the County Attorney.

18. Develop strategies, lead projects or develop initiatives to increase the public awareness of services, activities, resources and accomplishments.

19. Update County Attorney websites.

20. Recommend and coordinate paid and unpaid media to publicize events.

21. Assist in planning news conferences or events including the message to convey, the time and location for the event, staff support, materials needed, and audio-visual support.

22. Photograph events as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Work performed is sedentary in nature and typically performed within the Government Center or satellite office. Lifting requirement of up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, typewriter, calculator, telephone, camera, and copy and fax machine. Work interruptions are frequent.  There is some pressure associated with dealing with individuals who may be emotionally charged and with project or activity deadlines and details. Driving or riding to work at a service center, attend meetings, participate in or lead training sessions, etc. may be required. May involve exposure to environmental conditions.