CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage with no monthly premiums and effective the first day of employment. To learn more about Macomb County benefit offerings click here.

DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office

HIRING AUTHORITY: Sheriff

FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-will

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m. Flexibility to work outside of regular hours is necessary as evening and weekend hours may be required to meet business needs.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Sheriff or designee, provides media consulting, coaching and assistance. Manages media requests and provides ongoing media relations for the Sheriff’s Office. Monitors media reports and develops media strategy and creates and maintains a strategic communications plan according to term goals. Coordinates the utilization of various communication channels such as social media, websites, and various web tools in addition to newsletters and press releases for disseminating information and key messages. Attends press conferences/events and facilitates sound system and video production tasks, including post-production and posting. Serves as the single point of contact for media relations. Responsible for overseeing department website development and coordinating and developing department content. Assists with government affairs, review of legislation, and performs public outreach under direction of the Sheriff, or designee.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and implements public relations efforts to gain increased exposure for the Sheriff’s Office; publicizes events, programs and points of view.

Develops and maintains positive working relationships with media contacts covering county government and law enforcement.

Takes media requests and forwards as appropriate to the Sheriff or subject matter expert(s).

Develops key messaging and strategy to efficiently and effectively communicate to the public through media.

Coordinates media interviews, press conferences and news events on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.

Drafts media releases and advisories, articles, editorials, talking points, presentations and written content for media outlets.

Monitors media reports and communications and assists in crafting media messages.

Identifies, collects and analyzes relevant information and data to evaluate effectiveness of communication efforts toward reaching the Sheriff’s Office goals.

Researches and prepares technical reports; may research policy or legislative issues and works with the department to raise awareness.

Attends off-site meetings and events; coordinates community outreach efforts and may act as event photographer or coordinate the outside hire of such service.

Operates video production, post production and/or video indexing systems for the Sheriff’s Office.

Operates sound system and presentation technology during public meetings/hearings.

Writes speeches and prepares related visual aid information for the Sheriff and senior staff members.

Assists in developing public education efforts for the Sheriff’s Office.

Represents the Sheriff’s Office in interaction with federal, state and local partners.

Oversees the Sheriff’s Office website, including the development and coordination of content.

Manages job-related projects and collaborates with communications and marketing teams to promote initiatives of the Sheriff’s Office.

Assists with government affairs, review of legislation, and performs public outreach under direction of the Sheriff, or designee.

Operates a motor vehicle for travel to perform job-related duties.

May include evening or weekend work.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• 
  Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, New Media or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public or private sector relations, public communications, direct media, journalism, government relations or a closely related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, New Media or a related field from an accredited college or university

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• Completion of a recognized Public Information Officer training course (eg. FEMA’s G-290 Basic Public Information Officer course) or an equivalent certification
• Certifications in crisis communication, media relations, and/or social media management

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• 
  Media law and ethics
• Media networking principles and applications
• Social media strategies and ability to coordinate social media campaigns
• Professional principles and practices of public communication and relations
• Personal computer capabilities, operations and applications related to desktop operating systems, MS-Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), e-mail products and web development products

Skill in:

• Operating video production and sound system during meetings, as well as handle post-production editing, posting and distribution of video
• Writing, editing and coordinating the publication of annual reports, brochures and related printed materials
• Developing verbal and/or multimedia presentations for community groups, elected boards
• Various social media platforms and content management systems

Ability to:

• Work effectively in high-stress, fast-paced situations and make sound decisions
• Manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Create original content and initiate projects
• Make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies and procedures
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Work independently
• Work in an environment which embraces the County’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Speak and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials and the public
• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS and DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State's Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by these statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.