Communications Specialist

ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Communications Specialist to support the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Mississippi (USAO SDMS) in Jackson, MS. Your scope of work will include supporting communications and outreach efforts that strengthen public awareness of USAO and Department of Justice (DOJ) priorities.

This is a part-time opportunity in which we’ll provide competitive pay, job stability and security.
Apply today!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop media strategies aligned with USAO and DOJ priorities
• Write and edit news releases for USAO priority programs and initiatives
• Prepare public communications related to cases, achievements, results, and sentencing actions
• Coordinate press conferences for USAO programs, cases, training, and community outreach efforts
• Draft op-eds, articles, and other public-facing materials approved by USAO leadership
• Identify speaking and appearance opportunities for USAO personnel
• Respond to information requests from local and national media outlets
• Address inquiries from community groups regarding USAO initiatives and programs
• Maintain working relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts
• Build relationships with community stakeholders and specialized interest groups
• Monitor social media to support public awareness of USAO programs and achievements
• Analyze USAO, EOUSA, and DOJ program materials for public communications use
• Prepare written materials and press packets for media outreach and public messaging
• Promote USAO programs, goals, objectives, accomplishments, and law enforcement partnerships
• Evaluate the effectiveness of media strategies and public communications efforts
• Compile weekly summaries of USAO media exposure and related public coverage
• Participate in weekly planning sessions with office management and USAO personnel
• Recommend press release and social media priorities based on upcoming events and case activity
• Support public awareness of violent crime prevention, fraud prevention, and other USAO priorities
• Publicize USAO partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
• Apply DOJ, USAO, and media relations policies, procedures, and best practices
• Perform related media relations and public affairs duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and public-facing digital communications tools
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to support sensitive public messaging)
• Strong knowledge of media relations principles, practices, procedures, and outreach methods
• Knowledge of local Mississippi media outlets, communications channels, community stakeholders, public info networks
• Knowledge of social media platforms and strategies used to educate public and promote program awareness
• Ability to write news releases, fact sheets, articles, public information materials, and related media content
• Ability to respond to media and community inquiries with professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate discretion
• Ability to make responsible decisions on short notice and adapt to unexpected/shifting developments
• Established presence within the USAO SDMS local community

BACKGROUND

• At least ten years of demonstrated experience in a similar position required
• Valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle required
• Experience supporting media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism required
• Experience working with local media outlets and community stakeholders required
• Experience drafting press releases, public statements, articles, or outreach materials required
• Experience coordinating press conferences, media events, or public outreach preferred
• Experience supporting government, legal, public safety, or law enforcement communications preferred

EDUCATION

• High school diploma required
• Undergraduate degree preferred

LOCATION

• Jackson, MS 39201

TELEWORK

• N/A

CLEARANCE

• U.S. citizenship required as it supports the U.S. federal government
• Must be able to complete a High Risk background investigation covering up to ten years of history

CLIENT

• Department of Justice (DOJ)

TRAVEL

• Local travel may be required

WORK HOURS

• 30 hours a week

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Employment Classification Eligibility — Exempt

RELOCATION

• Not eligible for relocation benefits

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KMRG, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital or civil partnership status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, maternity status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic information, traits historically associated with race, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law.

Other Considerations. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 100% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 100% of the time.