Public Safety & Justice Information Officer

Address: 500 S Clinton St, Iowa City, Iowa, 55240

Salary Range (Min-Mid)

Dept./Office/Position Type

Employee Type

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Johnson County Attorney and the Johnson County Sheriff services as the public information officer for the Office of the Johnson County Sheriff and the Office of the Johnson County Attorney. Develops and implements communications strategies focuses on public safety and criminal justice information and initiatives. Works with the leadership of the Johnson County Attorney and the Johnson County Sheriff to create effective and well-coordinated messaging. Engages with the public and communicates resources available for comprehensive support of general public safety and criminal justice information and data and comprehensive support of mental and emotional well-being. Evaluates Public Safety and Criminal Justice communications and pursues creative ways to enhance such efforts through social media events, website content and writing news releases. As PIO participates in interviews with media and public. Coordinates with the Communications Manager for Johnson County on planning, website content management and social media focusing on public safety cand criminal justice content.

Knowledge of:

• Public and media relations

• Digital and social media

• Graphic design

• Basic criminal procedure, law enforcement and crime data

• Speech writing and storytelling techniques

• Writing, editing, and proofreading skills

• Public records and confidentiality requirements specific to law enforcement

• Principles and practices of public administration and the structure and functions of governments

• Open meetings and open records laws and fulfillment processes

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation

• Public speaking

Ability to:

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner

• Interpret, apply, and articulate Office policies and procedures

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate

• Interpret, apply and articulate laws, rules and regulations

• Serve as a media contact for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office

• Provide the media with timely and accurate information, while maintaining the integrity of the investigation or the response to the emergency

• Collect data, maintain organized records, make informed recommendations

• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, elected officials, department heads, other county employees, members of the public, and media representative

• Seek and facilitate organizational opportunities aimed at improving community relations

• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, video editing, email, and internet browsing and research

• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax, postage machines, photocopiers, scanners, and multi-line telephones

• Operate digital cameras, video cameras, microphones, PA systems, video tape recording equipment, and other related equipment including ADA accommodations

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups in formal and non-formal situations

• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities

• Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines, and solve problems appropriate to the position

• Respond to crises and challenging situations quickly and utilizing good judgment

• Work independently on projects and routine tasks

• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions

• Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely in oral and written form

• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication

• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various locations

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and a mouse

• Lift, push, pull, carry, and/or move up to 35 pounds

• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities

• Work flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications involving writing, media relations, and public relations responsibilities with one (1) year in a supervisory capacity; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Master's degree is preferred.

Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May require use of personal vehicle, or equivalent transportation, for official county business.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develops and maintains strategic communication plans including goals objectives strategies and tactics to promote public safety, enhance public knowledge of criminal justice, community outreach and services to the Johnson County Community.

• Coordinates the creation of necessary marketing/outreach materials including those used to communicate about public safety services as well as those necessary to recruit new deputies, and other career opportunities in the criminal justice and public interest law field.

• Develops and maintains media relations and serves as public safety/criminal justice PIO for media inquiries.

• Promotes awareness and understanding of public safety programs, crime statistics services and makes public presentations.

• Develops and maintains annual public safety report to the community.

• Conducts research and assessments to ensure the needs of our customers are being met or improved.

• Coordinates public meetings, public safety press conferences, and other community events as directed to provide information and receive feedback on public safety issues.

• Coordinates creation of public safety/criminal justice news and website content, advertisements, and other public relations materials for the Johnson County Sheriff and the Johnon County Attorney.

• Prepares news releases and media advisories including research of information needed for the preparation of the releases.

• Manages JCSO and JCAO social media presence across multiple platforms.

• Develops and maintains media relations, arranges press conferences, and serves as a contact for media.

• Participates in cross-departmental opportunities with Board of Supervisors Office communications staff.

• Performs general clerical duties such as filing, faxing, typing, and photocopying.

• Participates in assigned internal and external committees.

• Attends work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.

• Performs work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Attends work regularly.

Supplemental Description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: 11

Job Profile: 2020

Job Family: Attorney-Professional

Compensation Grade