Volusia Sheriff's Office is hiring: Assistant Director - Public Affairs & Media

Assistant Director - Public Affairs & Media Relations

Posting Closes: December 31, 2024

Starting Salary: $66,377.70 annually, $1,276.49 weekly

General Description:

The Assistant Director of Public Affairs & Media Relations is an administrative and professional position responsible for the management of public relations functions of the Volusia Sheriff's Office. The main function of the Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations is to advance the Sheriff's Office mission and inform the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, criminology, or a related field, AND
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible work in a related field.
• A comparable amount of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.

Background Screening: This position will require an extensive background investigation.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for carrying out the mission of the Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations.
• Serves as a media liaison, facilitates interviews, provides information to the public, and advances the agency's social media strategy.
• Assumes an effective leadership role and is available on a flexible schedule to ensure appropriate coverage.
• Develops and recommends operating policies, procedures, and programs to affect the efficient and effective operation of the Public Affairs Division, including strategies which promote enhanced awareness of the agency's services, initiatives, and accomplishments.
• Identifies new opportunities to proactively promote enhanced awareness of the agency's services, initiatives, and accomplishments.
• Monitors crime rates/trends, citizen feedback, community interests, and organizational developments to identify potential opportunities to educate and inform the public.
• Responds to emergency incidents, crime scenes, and other events throughout Volusia County as needed.
• Provides members of the media with information and facilitates interviews with the Sheriff and agency personnel as necessary.
• Prepares news releases, coordinates media availabilities, responds to media inquiries, and manages the effective release of information.
• Coordinates and authorizes the release of information to the media regarding victims, witnesses, suspects, and investigations in accordance with agency policy and Florida Statute.
• Coordinates the production of informational/educational videos and public service announcements that highlight agency programs and initiatives.
• Serves as the content coordinator for the public website, determines appropriate departmental issues to be posted on the website, and works in conjunction with division personnel to ensure the site is maintained and updated.
• Prepares internal communications to include informative e-mails, staff meeting minutes, and other communications as appropriate.
• Manages the content of the Sheriff's Office social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) and implements strategies for effective social media messaging.
• Evaluates and proposes new opportunities to reach broader audiences.
• Prepares editorial columns, speeches, talking points, executive briefs, presentations, and other communications for the Sheriff and members of senior Command Staff.
• Serves as Acting Director in the absence of the Director.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and local ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Public Affairs Division.

Status: Civilian

Blood and Viral Pathogen Risk: Minimal Risk

Environmental Conditions:

• Inside and outside work.
• General office setting with most duties being performed while sitting at a desk, table or workstation.
• Must be willing to handle media related emergencies which occur in the field.
• Some exposure to inclement weather to include, but not limited to, heat, dust, wind and rain.
• Some exposure to sensitive or disturbing imagery and other content.
• May be required to work any schedule that fulfills the needs of the position and may include being called in on short notice.
• Must be willing to assume an "on-call" status.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Must be able to remain available to work during an emergency/disaster/epidemic, as directed.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to record, edit and produce video content for social media and other uses.
• Ability to use video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and other Adobe design software.
• Ability to work independently while carrying out assignments.
• Ability to make decisions based on factual data and empirical research collected.
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, co-workers, subordinates, agency personnel, and the public.
• Ability to handle multiple demands.
• Ability to remain calm, think quickly, prioritize effectively, and problem solve within established guidelines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer and technology literacy required.

Required Knowledge:

• VSO General Orders and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of public relations, strategic communication, media relations, and social media.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic.
• Federal, State, County and Local laws and ordinances.
• Location of resources.

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity.
• Ambulate independently.
• Sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Utilize a computer and keyboard for extended periods of time.
• See at a normal range or with reasonable accommodation.
• Hear at normal level or with reasonable accommodation.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, grasp.
• Occasionally lift up to twenty-five pounds (25lbs).