Senior Communications Manager

Summary

Description

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is a highly respected, forward-thinking law enforcement agency, and we’re looking for a creative powerhouse to help tell our story. We are seeking a highly creative, driven professional with next-level social media and content creation skills to join our communications team.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a deep appreciation for public service, and bring strong multimedia, storytelling, and communication skills to the table, we encourage you to apply. Join us in showcasing the mission, professionalism, and people of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and help us connect with our community in meaningful, modern ways.

GENERAL DUTIES: 
The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for the day-to-day supervision, coordination, and execution of the Sheriff’s Office public information and multimedia communications under the direction of the Public Information Director. This position plays a critical role in enhancing community engagement through strategic messaging and the creation of high-quality graphics, photography, and video content for public release.

The Senior Communications Manager oversees and participates in the development of multimedia content, supports media relations activities, and ensures public-facing communications are accurate, timely, visually compelling, and aligned with the Sheriff’s Office mission, brand, and approved communication strategies. This position assists with communication planning for emergency and non-critical incidents and serves as a media liaison and authorized spokesperson when directed.

The Senior Communications Manager provides leadership, mentoring, and technical expertise to Public Information Unit staff, including creative direction for multimedia projects, while maintaining operational readiness for time-sensitive and high-profile incidents.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Information & Media Relations

• Supervise and coordinate daily operations of the Public Information Unit, ensuring effective workflow and timely delivery of public information products.
• Review, edit, and prepare news releases, media advisories, social media posts, website content, and other communications prior to approval by the Public Information Director.
  Serve as a media liaison by responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, and facilitating media access when authorized.
• Assist with public information responses related to sensitive, high-profile, or controversial incidents.
  Attend briefings and meetings as assigned to gather information and assist in developing appropriate public messaging.
  Participate in on-call rotations and respond to incidents, emergencies, or events occurring outside of normal business hours.

Multimedia Content Creation & Creative Direction

• Lead and actively participate in the creation of visually compelling graphics, photographs, and videos that support crime prevention messaging, community outreach, special events, and operational updates.
• Provide creative direction and quality control for multimedia projects to ensure consistency with branding, messaging standards, and best practices.
• Produce video and slide presentations for public meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Plan, design, and compose brochures, flyers, bulletins, scripts, and special-purpose publications.
• Capture high-quality photography and videography during law enforcement operations, community events, and outreach activities.
• Ensure multimedia equipment is properly maintained, functional, and ready for deployment.

Non-Linear Editing & Technical Expertise

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in non-linear video editing and post-production.
  Edit and assemble raw footage into polished products suitable for social media, web platforms, presentations, and media distribution.
• Utilize Adobe Creative Suite tools, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator, to produce professional multimedia content.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in digital storytelling and visual communications.

Community Engagement & Event Support

• Collaborate with the Community Resource Unit and other divisions to plan, organize, and support community events and outreach initiatives.
• Integrate multimedia elements into community programs to enhance engagement and visibility.
• Assist with the development and promotion of public education and crime prevention campaigns.
  Collaboration, Leadership & Administration
• Provide mentoring, training, and technical guidance to Public Information Unit staff and Sheriff’s Office personnel involved in media or public-facing communications.
• Coordinate with internal units to understand project needs and deliver creative communication solutions.
• Maintain professional relationships with public information officers, media professionals, vendors, and community partners.
• Assist with tracking resource needs, equipment purchases, and budget-related items for public information and multimedia operations.
• Ensure compliance with public records laws, social media policies, and approved communication protocols.

Perform other related duties as assigned.
These duties and responsibilities are intended to be illustrative and are not meant to be all-inclusive.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Multimedia Design, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in public information, journalism, public relations, multimedia production, or related communications fields.
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.

CERTIFICATION(s):

• Possesses a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
• Able to pass qualifying exams and background investigation, including federal, state, and local background clearances.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in public information or communications within a law enforcement, public safety, or government environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Experience with community engagement strategies and event planning.
• Knowledge of social media trends, platforms, and analytics.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong creative and technical skills in multimedia storytelling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team-building abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Proficient with MS Office 365, Windows operating systems, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and multimedia equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and emergency situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle to travel to various locations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions.  This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required.  In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.