Under administrative direction, coordinates and directs a comprehensive public information, media relations and communication program for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to executive staff; in the areas of communications, public relations, and media relations relating to department activities and services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-incumbent, civilian classification assigned to the Sheriff’s Office. The incumbent supervises a unit of civilian staff and may provide technical guidance over sworn staff engaged in public information/public relations duties on an ongoing or project basis. Incumbents in this class assume programmatic responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing the civic engagement, media communications, issues management, special events and neighborhood outreach services. This position is distinguished from Public Information Specialist by the overall responsibility to supervise and administer public relations programs. Direction is received from a sworn member of the Sheriff’s command staff.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Oversees the department’s public information program; closely coordinates with departmental management to disseminate information and increase public awareness regarding department services and programs; under direction, designs, directs the implementation of, and measures and evaluates the effectiveness of public information activities; stays informed of and communicates issues to appropriate department leadership regarding matters affecting program operations and services.
Develops, plans, and implements program goals and objectives; directs, oversees and participates in the development of the work plans; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
Establishes and implements communication plans and strategies that support department priorities, objectives, and strategic plan; directs communication content through radio, television, social media and the press; prepares speeches, scripts, responses and related materials for public information purposes for assigned department; ensures shared communication and flow of information with key stakeholders and the public.
Represents department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public information, media relations, and other services as they relate to assigned departments.
Serves as public information contact in emergencies and other critical events and develops communication strategies to ensure consistent, accurate messaging to the public and on-site media coverage as needed; provides strategic communication advice, counsel, and support to command staff and coordinates with regional emergency operations and/or other critical incident stakeholders as requested.
Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports and recommendations; prepares correspondence to public inquires on department programs/activities.
Forecasts budget needs for staff, equipment, materials, and supplies; conducts cost-benefit analyses and makes recommendations to identify most effective communications mediums, platforms, and programs; monitors and controls expenditures for unit; assists management with budget development and monitoring.
Maintains effective press and media relations; responds to media and difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints; recommends resolutions and alternative solutions.
Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Four years of progressively responsible professional experience for a comprehensive public relations, media relations, journalism, or community relations program at a level equivalent to San Joaquin County’s Public Information Specialist classification, preferably in a public safety or emergency services environment.
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles of effective supervision; employee discipline; public information program components and methods involved in planning, coordinating and implementing such programs to variety of audiences; principles and techniques of mass communication, marketing, media relations and outreach; public speaking, fundamentals and principles of public speaking, written composition, and editing; techniques in developing and producing audio-visual presentations; tools used in the design and development of public information materials; basic governmental budgeting and fiscal controls; computer operations, including pertinent software and related equipment; web-based communications.
ABILITY
Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, information appropriate to a public safety and emergency services context; establish and maintain effective working relations; coordinate, direct, and evaluate the work of others; speak effectively in public; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; meet deadlines; use modern photographic and related electronic equipment; collect and analyze data related to public information programs; use computers, desk-top publishing applications, applicable presentation tools, and related equipment; act independently in converting complex information into meaningful format for the targeted audience.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—frequent operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting for long periods, walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; climbing stairs; occasional driving; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person and in public; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, public contact and public speaking in emergency and stressful situations; Special Requirements—availability to respond to on-call situations during non-working hours and occasional weekend, night and holiday assignments; occasional travel; Environmental—occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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