Marshall County Job Description
Department: Sheriff
Job
Code: 755
Reports To: Sheriff DOT
Reference: 377.167-010
Date: November
2007
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Summary
Plan and conduct a public relations program designed
to create and maintain favorable public image for the Marshall County Sheriff’s
Department. Prepare and distribute fact
sheets, news releases, photographs, etc. to media representatives, governmental
officials, community groups, and the public.
Maintain historical record of projects and events, and information
related to law enforcement trends and practices. Write speeches and organize events to
publicize projects and create interest.
Represent the Sheriff and the department during community projects and
in public, social, and business gatherings.
Serve as law enforcement officer when assigned or as needed.
Essential Job Functions
A. Design public relations program to create and maintain a
favorable public image of the Marshall
County Sheriff’s Department
1. Develop
an appropriate image, including logos, colors, fonts, branding collateral
design, etc.
2. Write,
edit, and finalize newsletter, news releases, brochures, scripts,
advertisements, speeches, based on information gathered from a variety of
sources and individuals
3. Compile
data from administrative and public reports, including verification of
information
4. Review
legislation to analyze and determine effect on department and community, and
disseminate information to the public
5. Prepare
for interviews by reviewing information and brainstorming possible questions,
and prepare press releases and position statements as appropriate
6. Document
activities of the Sheriff’s Office through pictures
7. Proofread
documents submitted by employees prior to release to the public to ensure
accuracy and that they reflect the position of the department
8. Design
photographic and other layouts for print and electronic media
9. Print
and assemble materials using computer, printers and copiers in order to develop
a final product for distribution
10. Locate
vendors to provide goods and services such as printing publications and
promotional items that are cost effective, and ensure quality of products
purchased
11. Review
and approve bills for public relations projects
B. Disseminate
information to the public and the media, including television, radio, public
appearances, and newspapers, to ensure that interested parties and intended
audiences are reached
1. Identify appropriate media to
deliver information and messages from department
2. Contact
media to solicit coverage for special events, programs, new services/programs,
etc.
3. Distribute brochures, flyers,
pamphlets, etc. to businesses, schools, civic and community
groups
to raise interest in Sheriff’s Office events, programs, and activities
4. Give
speeches to community audiences and media regarding the Sheriff’s Office
activities and programs in order to provide information and/or solicit support
5. Maintain
mailing lists of media representatives, County Officials, community groups,
etc. to facilitate mailings
6. Prepare
mass mailings by stuffing envelopes, determining correct postage, affixing
postage and mailing in accordance with established procedures
C. Maintain
files and equipment used in projects and the department in order to preserve
history, create an information bank, and maintain knowledge of current trends
and methods in the field of law enforcement, including programs for youth and
community participation
1. Maintain a library of professional
journals, articles and news publications
2. Read materials and forward
information to Sheriff, as appropriate
3. Contact
legislators to provide and discuss the Sheriff’s office position on various
legislation
4. Maintain
inventory of cameras and equipment and issue equipment to employees for use as
appropriate
5. Maintain
files of photographs, news clips, articles, etc. featuring the Marshall County
Sheriff’s Department
6. Oversee
maintenance of the Sheriff’s Office website by working with computer experts to
make additions, deletions, and upgrades to the site
D. Represent
the Sheriff and department at events, respond to the public, and create
coordinate special events for department, and serve as a law enforcement
officer as assigned
1. Take
calls from the public and provides response immediately or after discussion
with Sheriff, as appropriate
2. Coordinate
employee programs, such as blood drive, flu shots, CPR training, etc.
3. Coordinate
awards programs, community outreach programs, School to Career Program, etc. by
arranging for location, speakers, performers, and other resources needed in
order to execute the program or event
4. Attend
meetings and serves on local and regional committees to provide expertise and
represent the department
5. Represent
the department at events such as groundbreakings, ribbon cutting ceremonies,
and inaugurations, and document appropriately
6. Conduct
tours for the general public, media, or community groups
7. Serves
as a law enforcement officer, as assigned by the Sheriff, performing the full
range of duties, as needed
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge
of the principals and practices of public relations, including marketing,
advertising, graphic design, etc.
2. Knowledge
of English, spelling, and program terminology
3. Knowledge
of journalistic and other styles of writing and layout to produce a newsletter
and other publications
4. Knowledge
of law enforcement practices and procedures
5. Knowledge
of research and report preparation techniques and procedures
6. Ability
to set priorities, plan and implement activities to maximize efficiency
7. Ability
to provide information in a courteous diplomatic manner
8. Ability
to formulate public information dissemination strategies to create promotional
strategies that are effective in reaching the target audience
9. Ability
to use a computer to store, retrieve and compile data, prepare reports,
newsletter, brochures, and promotional materials
10. Ability
to operate standard office equipment such as computer, scanner, calculator,
copy machine, fax machine, telephone system, etc.
11. Ability
to maintain a variety of files and records, and to prepare reports and answer
questions from the records
12. Ability
to gather information available about a problem, event, program, etc.
13. Ability
to present a positive image of the department in person and through various
media
14. Ability
to edit publications for accuracy, clarity, and relevance to ensure that
documents contain accurate information and professional appearance
15. Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other
employees, residents, and the general public
16. Ability
to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
17. Skill
in the use of computer software to facilitate efficient completion of tasks and
to obtain and present information
18. Skill
in dealing with people in a diplomatic manner
19. Skill
in presenting ideas and information orally, in writing, and in publications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public relations,
marketing, communications, or related field plus 2 years of experience in
marketing, journalism, or public relations and 2 years of experience in law
enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Other: Valid driving license
Certified law enforcement officer by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training (APOST)
This job description should not be
interpreted as all-inclusive. It is
intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job
classification. All incumbents may not
perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform some duties
which are not listed. Incumbents may be
requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those
stated in this description.