PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER – SHERIFF’S OFFICE LOOKING FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER – SHERIFF’S OFFICE JOB AT Port Orchard, WA

JOB

Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the best and brightest individuals who want to advance their career within our family.Kitsap County offers challenging and exciting careers in one of the most beautiful areas in Washington State. We love where we work and live. When you become part of the team, you are welcomed into our close knit family. Our department is progressive and prides itself on keeping up with the latest technology and equipment. At Kitsap County, the sky is the limit. What you do here really matters, so stand out, be bold, and be your best self.Position InformationThe ideal candidate for this position of the PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER will be an individual who can develop this position from the ground up. This position is responsible for top-level communications planning and developing, implementing, and evaluating communications services for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison between KCSO, the media, employees, and the public to appropriately and effectively communicate the Sheriff’s message. The successful candidate will have skill in providing high level communications advice and support and complex research and analysis in relation to the development, coordination, implementation, and review of policies. Ideally you will have experience managing social media and web sites, including content creation and public records retention as well as experience implementing new communications strategies, programs, and technologies.Incumbents in this position are the designated spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. This is an appointed, at-will position in accordance with RCW 41.14.070.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Required Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Communications, Business or Public Administration, English, or directly related field ANDFive years of progressively responsible communication management experience to include experience in the areas of public relations, communications or administration.Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the work.Preferred Education and ExperienceSpecific work experience in law enforcement or local governmentDriving Requirements The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as: Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle. Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other RequirementsPlease note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements. Prior to employment, the successful candidate must: Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.Required Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of: Project management, from concept through completionDeveloping communication, political, and program strategiesCommunication principles, practices, and strategiesBudget development and contract managementCommon software used for communicationsCommand of the English language, both orally and in writingSkills and/or Ability to: Creative and dynamic leadership skills, including experience with building relationships and coalitions. Interpersonal relationships using tact, patience and courtesy. Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Skill in planning, assigning, directing and evaluating work of project participants. Skill in conflict resolution, problem solving and negotiation Skill in budget development and monitoring. Skill in providing program advice and education to the public. Skill in presenting information to audiences of all sizes.Ability to research, gather and analyze data as well as writing statistical and analytical reports. Gather, analyze, synthesize and evaluate a variety of data. Organize facts and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner. Ability to work independently with limited supervision.Working Conditions/Physical Activities (The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)Work is performed in the office and in the field.Work will be performed at sites of public events, press conferences, critical incidents, and/or community emergencies. Work is subject to 24-hour call out for critical incidents. The Sheriff’s Office is a critical 24/7 public safety agency which operates in all weather and emergency conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond regardless of external factors.Incumbents may be: Exposed to potentially hostile or uncooperative individuals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Manages communications programs and projects, including oversight of program deliverables, vendor management and contract management. Develops and manages projects and programs from concept to completion, including communication, political, and program strategies. Develops, implements, and manages marketing, communication, and public relations strategies and policies for KCSO. Develops, implements, and monitors KCSO’s graphic standards and branding as approved by the Sheriff. Develops key communications tools, resources and materials, including fact sheets, displays, newsletters, pamphlets, reports, news releases, advertising, and live and taped broadcasting. Writes and edits monthly newsletter for the staff, articles for the KCSO annual report and other education and outreach materials. Works with and oversees department level communications contacts to coordinate consistent communication. Creates content for internal and external distribution. Oversee projects to include development of scope, methodology and oversight of deliverables. Consults with the KCSO Leadership Team and leads any KCSO communications staff. Develops policy and procedures regarding communication strategies and channels. Develops and implements long-range strategic plans, formulates goals and objectives, resolves customer concerns.Serve as a member of KCSO Leadership Team and contribute to Office’s strategies in support of core values of the Sheriff’s Office. Responsible for internal and external communication for KCSO. Provide oversight of KCSO’s social media strategy and presence. Advise Command Staff of media stories and PR concerns. Manages the external website, ensuring it serves as a communication resource for constituents. Provides direction and oversight to staff at all levels of the organization in regards to Office communications. Regularly evaluates emerging software to enhance communication efforts. Responsible for meeting records requirements in all channels and manages third party applications to ensure archival processes.Directs KCSO’s emergency public information and communications efforts and represents the Sheriff in county-wide or region-wide emergencies. Coordinate with law enforcement and County Communications Manager regarding communications issues during inclement weather and other critical incidents and provide timely and accurate information to the community. Work in the Joint Information Center during emergencies and create real-time communications for updates. Anticipates and advises the Undersheriff and Sheriff about a variety of issues affecting public perception and emerging concerns. Articulates KCSO’s values to constituents and its position on key policies to build awareness and understanding through consistent communication. Assists the Sheriff with responses to requests from the news media and the public for information, interviews, perspectives and opinions on issues. Prepare, manage, and monitor communications budget.Create and disseminate news releases that reflect the Sheriff’s official position. Act as primary Public Information Officer during critical incidents involving the Sheriff’s Office. Represent the Sheriff at public meetings, news briefings, or events. Writes and edits press releases, briefs the media and manages local and national media representatives on scene of events. Develops content for internal communications, messaging, talking points and presentations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process.This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)This position is classified as “at will”. Incumbent’s continued employment is at the discretion of the Sheriff.Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office. This recruitment is being used to fill an existing open position, and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.Work hours for this position will typically be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Work is subject to 24-hour call out for critical incidents. RECRUITMENT PROCESS: In order to proceed to the next steps in the process, you are required to successfully pass the following requirements: Review of qualifications and oral board interviews. An applicant must successfully pass each examination requirement before being able to proceed to the next process. ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS: The oral board interview score reflects 100% of the applicant’s overall score.When an applicant is offered employment it is contingent upon the applicant successfully passing a truth verification examination, psychological examination, drug screening, a complete reference and background investigation, and any other process deemed necessary by the Sheriff’s Office. Any conviction record may be disqualifying. This position is open until filled, but applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. First screening of applications will take place the week of August 22, 2022 and interviews of qualified applicants will begin soon after.