Public Safety Information Officer

County Executive’s Office – Communications and Public Engagement Division

Full-Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 17, VRS-Eligible,

Benefits-Eligible

THE POSITION – PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION OFFICER

Albemarle County is looking for its next Public Safety Information Officer, the Public Information Officer that serves our Police Department, Fire Rescue Department, and our regional emergency communications center. This person thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves telling stories to highlight public service in the community, and is comfortable working with the media, on- and off-camera. Day-to-day work includes marketing, public relations, and communications across social media, press releases, web, and print; supports planning and execution of community-based events and activities; participates in planning and staffing local and regional emergency operations. This position responds to incidents and inquiries during and outside of regular business hours, to assist with on-scene media interaction, drafts public safety messages, statements, and press releases, and conducts and coordinates live and recorded interviews, working within the incident command structure. The Public Safety Information Officer will also work with staff on training and tools for interacting with the media and analyze how our organization can better reach our growing and changing community.

The Communications & Public Engagement Office is a new office for the County – come join our dynamic and growing team, at the center of public safety and local government happenings.

• Work with staff teams to develop communications plans for important community projects
• Implement communications plan across a variety of platforms, including social, web and print
• Support the County’s communications platforms, including social media and newsletter
• Support events, including media briefings, community outreach, and others

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Communicates complex information in an accessible way for the average person through compelling visuals, text, and video
• Comfortable with on-camera interviews
• Always willing to learn new tools
• Detail-oriented
• Passionate for public safety
• Cares about the community

THE DEPARTMENT – COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE

The County Executive’s Office provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Department has 5 offices, including the County Executive, Communications & Public Engagement (CAPE), Equity & Inclusion, Management & Budget, and Project Management.

CAPE coordinates the County’s efforts to inform the public and design opportunities to engage residents, businesses, and community leaders in projects, programs, and initiatives. CAPE supports the County’s public information, media relations, crisis communications, internal communications, and public engagement efforts.

EXPECTATIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct and coordinate interviews on behalf of and with the Police Department, our combination volunteer/career Fire Rescue Department, and our regional emergency operations
• Ability to provide professional, concise, and visually pleasing communications across a variety of platforms, for internal and external audiences
• Social media marketing, including short video editing, graphic design
• Capable of working with staff teams, local, regional, and state public safety agencies, and the general public
• Experience with law enforcement, fire rescue, and/or emergency management a plus
• Experience with journalism a plus
• Research and write content for press releases, e-newsletters, and other social media platforms
• Track and analyze key metrics
• Perform other duties as assigned

TOOLS UTILIZED:

• Software: Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office
• Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• Constant Contact
• Google Forms/Survey Monkey

• Does related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism.
• Two years minimum of relevant experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must successfully complete polygraph examination, background investigation, criminal history check, pre-employment drug screening and random drug screening during the course of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including knowledge of public relations, media relations, public information and education, and social media; outstanding ability to work well with people; exceptional ability to work and perform under pressure; demonstrated experience in the principles of public information, and graphic design principles, including proficiency with Adobe suite; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county leadership team and other staff; ability to lead staff teams in analyzing and improving website and social media; exhibits strong leadership attitude in support of project, Department and County goals; ability to make effective presentations to civic/business organizations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, other employees, and community organizations; ability to develop and present community based programs; being a mediator and consensus builder, and motivating others to participate or cooperate; interpersonal sensitivity to the concerns and emotions of people; team building and coalition formation; coordinating groups, projects, programs and initiatives of various scopes; working comfortably with all types of people; maintaining a strong client-service orientation; operating effectively and graciously in stressful situations; handling multiple priorities, yet remaining focused and completing projects in a timely manner; maintaining confidentiality of information and security of records as appropriate; ability to work with staff and/or staff/community teams in analyzing and improving county programs and services; substantial knowledge of word processing and graphic design; ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, independently and self-motivated.

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Regular contact is made with senior County decision makers. Liaison with other departments and members of the public required. Usually there is a need to motivate, gain support or influence individuals or groups. Regular lifting and movement of audio-visual equipment weighing up to 40 pounds is necessary. Work is typically performed in meeting rooms, conference rooms, homes, schools and public buildings.

THE HIRING SALARY RANGE

The hiring salary range for this position is $41,965 - $50,358 per year depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA Non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, November 15, 2019, 5:00 p.m.EST 

You may find more information at the Albemarle County Human Resources page http://www.albemarle.org/hr.

Learn more about the County as a great place to live at: New Resident Guide

EEO/EOE