The Mission of the Sheriff’s Office is Conserving the Peace Through Values Driven Service.
We envision Washington County as the safest urban county in Oregon by building strong community partnerships, providing excellent customer service, practicing prudent fiscal operations, and embracing excellence.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is seeking an innovative, strategic thinker to guide the Sheriff’s Office engagement supporting two-way communications with the public and employees, and to advance the strategic goals of Sheriff’s Office projects and programs.
As a member of the Sheriff’s Office Executive team, the Communications Coordinator leads and directs the development of the Sheriff’s Office strategic communication plan, which includes creating and maximizing informational opportunities; media relations; and ensuring that the Sheriff’s Office maintains a positive image and reputation with the County Board of Commissioners, various stakeholders and the general public. The Communications Coordinator will provide organization-wide leadership on all aspects of internal and external communications.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Community Engagement:
Provide direct, high-level communication strategies and aid the Sheriff’s Office in increasing public engagement and general visibility in the community.
Strategic Communication Plan Development:
Develop and implement strategy using proven techniques to grow audience participation and tell a compelling and coordinated story about the Sheriff’s Office.
Messaging and Branding:
Develop strategies that maximize the organization’s engagement with internal and external stakeholders while fostering the organizations’ core values.
Media Relations:
Develop and implement web content, write articles, news-feed and media strategies in support of the Sheriff’s Office goals and objectives, and support emerging channels to reach new audiences.
Internal Communications and Relations:
Ensure participation and buy-in from project and program management teams, Board of Commissioners and project partners.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office offers their employees a collaborative culture, work-life balance, and a comprehensive benefits package. Working within Washington County provides daily opportunities to serve and build communities now and into the future. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Duties may include:
1. Plan, organize, implement and evaluate public information, marketing and public relations efforts for a variety of Sheriff’s Office wide issues. Communicate and provide relevant, reliable and consistent information to the public, County staff, news media representatives, community and civic groups, public agencies, and private organizations.
2. In response to media requests or as directed by the Sheriff’s Office or County, serve as liaison and spokesperson with the local media on breaking stories, news features and public information campaigns. Communicate timely and accurate information related to services and programs provided by the County or Sheriff’s Office.
3. Recommend, develop, and implement guidelines, regulations and procedures regarding brochures, articles, fact sheets, photographs, video, web pages, graphics, news releases and other materials. Work collaboratively with Sheriff’s Office staff and policy makers to enhance the image of the Sheriff’s Office on the internet and in the media.
4. Determine the Sheriff’s Office position and design communication approaches to enhance understanding and acceptance of Sheriff’s Office programs. Verify the accuracy and thoroughness of communication materials that enhance the professional image of the County and the Sheriff’s Office. Review materials prior to dissemination to County staff, the media, and the public.
5. Develop, administer and evaluate strategies and activities to effectively communicate the mission, goals, services and programs of the Sheriff’s Office to various and diverse public audiences and County staff.
6. Develop communication strategies, standards and corporate branding across divisions and workgroups within the Sheriff’s Office. Provide support in the coordination of the Sheriff’s Office communication planning. Manage cross-divisional communications policy issues.
7. Represent the Sheriff’s Office before various boards, committees and community groups. Facilitate open and clear public access to County services and programs.
8. Recommend and prepare correspondence in response to inquiries, complaints, and suggestions related to regulatory programs and activities of the County or Sheriff’s Office. Contact staff members to obtain and verify relevant facts and information.
9. Develop methods and processes by which residents provide input and feedback to the Sheriff’s Office about services and programs.
10. Lead or manage support staff in the development and implementation of complex communication strategies, initiatives, activities, studies and projects.
11. Collaborate with division managers to deliver timely, accurate and reliable communications. Consult with management staff to develop strategies for dealing with sensitive issues affecting residents.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Extensive knowledge of:
- Principles and techniques of public relations, communications and media relations programs typical to a comprehensive local government
- Techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information to the public, news media, schools, and the community, using major media communication, including photography, graphic arts, copy layout, and radio and television programming
- Principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining good relations with news media and other public groups
- Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism, expository prose, and editing; preparation, composition, layout, production, and dissemination of educational, informational, and promotional materials
- Principles, practices and emerging trends of public relations and public communication.
- Programs, services and activities, regulations and administrative proceedings typical to local government organizations
General knowledge of:
- Federal, State, and local governmental organizations, functions, rules and regulations
- Operation and functions of news organizations
Skill to:
- Design and implement effective public information programs using a variety of methods, techniques and media
- Resolve conflicts through facilitation of group activities and discussions
- Write clear and concise reports, memoranda and other correspondence
- Use computers and software applications for public information purposes
- Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
- Facilitate the process of involving residents in local government
- Plan, compose, coordinate, and edit educational, informational, promotional and other materials including pamphlets, brochures and newsletters
- Prepare and present information before groups using a variety of methods, techniques and media
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, resident groups and representatives of business, other governmental and community agencies
- Read, apply, and effectively communicate rules, regulations, programs and procedures
- Supervise and manage subordinate professional, technical and administrative support staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
1. Bachelor’s degree with major course work in communications, public relations or related field; and
2. Three (3) years of professional experience in public relations, community outreach, communications, public information programs or related work within a complex organization.
Desired Qualifications
1. A Master’s degree with major course work in communications, public relations or related field is preferred.
2. Prior professional experience in public relations, community outreach, communications, public information programs or related work within a law enforcement agency or public safety is preferred.
3. Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish/English) skills strongly desired.
ADDITIONAL SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate must meet the following requirements:
Working Hours : Ability to work irregular hours and or respond to crimes scenes during off duty hours;
Background Investigation : Post conditional employment offer, this position requires the successful completion of a background investigation through the Washington County Sheriff’s Office; and
Driver’s License : Driving a motorized vehicle is an essential function of this position. Successful applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Washington County is committed to using a Merit Based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.
SELECTION PROCESS:
1. An evaluation of training and experience of submitted applications will begin after December 14, 2015. This will be performed by Human Resources.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel in the division will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials and your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. This process will begin after December 21, 2015.
3. It is our goal to schedule the first round of interviews after January 11, 2016.
STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION:
You will be advised by e-mail or regular mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition.
The selection process will consist of an evaluation and scoring of experience and training taken from your employment application materials and your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Further evaluation may include an interview, skills assessment, skill based testing, etc., as determined by the hiring department.
Interested applicants must submit a completed Washington County employment application, with complete responses to the “Supplemental Questionnaire.”
Veterans’ Preference: If you are a veteran and have been discharged, you may qualify for veterans’ preference points. If you believe that you qualify, please submit a copy of your DD214 for 5 points and your DD214 and a Veterans’ Administration letter confirming your disabled status for 10 points. Please submit by the closing date of the position you are applying for. Veterans’ preference points cannot be honored without supporting documentation. You must email a copy of your DD214 and other supporting documentation to hr@co.washington.or.us or mail it to the Human Resources Division before the closing date of the position you are applying for.
Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through the Human Resources Division, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying.
- Washington County is a drug-free workplace *
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