Summary

Performs complex work coordinating, establishing, and maintaining communication between the agency and its various customers; manages information internally and externally for and about the Mesa County Sheriff's Office; provides information to public members, the media, and other department personnel following Colorado open records laws. Ensures all external communications reflect the agency’s brand and values and further the agency’s mission.

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

Serves as the agency's Public Information Officer, which requires writing press releases, fielding and answering questions concerning specific situations, conducting media tours, and conducting in-person and/or on-camera interviews. Coordinates media press conferences and arranges interviews regarding agency issues and activities.

Develops and maintains positive relationships within the agency, the media, the public, and community partners.

Receive and respond to requests for statistical information from the media and the public. Responds to requests for information from members of the public, all media sources, other agencies, and department personnel, both on the phone and in person. Writes and distributes authorized press releases, public service announcements, and other publications.

Responds and facilitates requests for research projects from media sources. Participates in discussions about information to be released on sensitive cases or ongoing criminal or internal investigations.

At crime scenes and critical incident command situations, serves as Public Information Officer (PIO) with duties to include fielding and/or answering media questions, conducting media tours of scene, handling media requests and managing media access to scene, writing and issuing media releases, assisting incident commander(s) with management of information, and documenting scene for historical archival purposes.

At crime scenes and critical incident command situations, may serve as the Lead PIO as identified in the Incident Command System. Lead PIO duties include activating a Joint Information System to assist in disseminating coordinated, accurate, accessible, and timely information to the public and media. May also serve as logistical support when needed.

Participates in the Mesa County Joint Information System Coordination group and ongoing relevant training. Serves as agency representative on a variety of internal and external committees as assigned.

Serves as an advisor to Command Staff and the Sheriff in the development of programs and special projects. Participates in strategic planning and organizational development.

Responds to requests for assistance from citizens concerning administrative or public service matters. Refers citizen requests to appropriate employees within the Department or to appropriate sources outside the Department.

Performs and/or facilitates tours of the agency and specific public appearances, including public speaking engagements. Facilitates participation in community public events, appearances, and educational opportunities. Organizes, plans, and advertises agency community public events such as charity fundraisers and community engagement events.

Develop, monitor, and manage the agency’s communication channels, such as social media, website, and print publications. Ensure that all agency public communications reflect the agency’s brand and values and further the agency’s mission.

Develops print, digital, and video materials as well as takes photographs for community relationship building, education, and historical purposes. Facilitates live broadcasts of press conferences and events as appropriate.

Assist Command Staff and the Sheriff in preparing for lectures, presentations, press conferences, and interviews.

Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, statistics or related field and two (2) years of related experience.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts

This position includes is eligible for the Mesa County benefits package which includes the following: