Communications Specialist/Graphic Designer

The Communications Specialists develops and distributes information to promote an organization and publicizes Sheriff’s Office information as directed.  Responsible for developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies and comprehensive supporting plans to achieve the communication goals that support the mission of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office (HSO).
Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Community Relations/Public Information Officer (PIO) and is accountable for use of delegated authority.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Maintain a database of media organizations and contact information
• Presents material in writing, through graphic presentations and other communications media
• Manage the Hampton Sheriff’s Office social media communications
• Develops and implements communication strategies that include media outreach and social media content creation
• Supervises and estimates success of media campaigns and reports them to the Sheriff and management team
• Analyze digital marketing metrics
• Regularly meet and conduct interview with media personnel
• Plans, arranges and coordinates press conferences and events
• Create and produce internal newsletters, calendars and annual reports for the organization
• Develop, implement and maintain working relationships with journalists and key external partners in multiple media outlets
• Write, edit and distribute various types of content, including material for website, press releases, marketing material etc.
• Participates in management and project implementation 
• Demonstrates positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public
• Creates visual design concepts to communicate ideas and messages by using a variety of design elements, including images, typography, and layouts, to create:
  logos, advertisements, brochures, magazines, websites, product packaging, and social media content.
• Assists with preparation of news releases and, after submitting them to Sheriff or his designee for approval, sends to various media outlets
• Assist in preparation of brochures and information packets for use in informing public and private agencies and the general public of Sheriff’s Office activities
• Maintains a photograph catalogue, which can be used during presentations
• Assist in preparation of all formal correspondence, i.e., letters, reports, memorandums, proposals, recommendations, etc., on the Sheriff’s behalf
• Meets with public and private groups to explain Sheriff’s Office programs, procedures and operation of the department
• Ensures all products are of the highest technical standards in the areas of content, design and impact (re-branding)
• Participates in discussions, seminars and other related events; cooperates as fully as possible with the media in releasing information to the public
• Performs workshops and training sessions for Sheriff’s Office employees, when applicable
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, guidelines and directives of the office on an ongoing basis
• Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times
• Protects confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing
• Follows all Federal, State and Local laws
• Performs any other tasks as required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of the responsibilities, policies, procedures, goals and strategies of the Sheriff’s Office
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city and state officials, as well as all media representatives
• Must have extensive writing skills to compose and edit letters, reports, proposals, etc. for print, broadcast, web and social media
• Must have public speaking skills and ability to make formal presentations.
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Ability to listen empathetically
• Appropriate use of facility issued or approved equipment and ability to learn computer application skills as needed
• Ability to read and comprehend laws, ordinances and orders
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries, and death
• Present evidence in court effectively; skillful in observation and remembering details 
• Interpret and explain policies and procedures
• Act rationally and calm under stressful situations
• Utilize good public relations skills
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to logically organize details
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities
• Properly operate authorized city vehicles and equipment
• Understand legal rights of inmates, maintain inmates safety and security
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Perform life-saving and rescue procedures
• Make sound decisions
• Give and follow commands, following through when needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in English, journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, public speaking or any related field. A minimum of two (2) years experience in communications strategy development and implementation. Extensive computer skills to include graphics layout and design.  Experience may substitute for education on the basis of one year of appropriate experience for each year of education.ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 
The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
 
PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS 
Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs, bend, twist, reach; sit for prolonged periods of time; move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs; Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. Requires annual physical. Requires operation of standard office equipment.

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Salary : $37,426