Public Information Officer 2G

Nature and Variety of Work

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Come join our team!

Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

We are Prince George’s Proud!

The Prince George's County Government Office of the Sheriff is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Public Information Officer II position, grade G21, within its Executive Administration/Public Affairs Division.

About The Position

This is full-performance professional journalistic and media relations work involving the preparation and dissemination of information and informational materials in support of programs, services, and activities within the Office of the Sheriff. The primary emphasis of a Public Information Officer is to draft plans for information activities and coordinate the arrangements for enacting assigned information activities, writing and preparation of agency informational materials.

Work has an impact on the public's knowledge and understanding of the organization, operation, and services provided by the Office of the Sheriff. Personal contacts occur on a regular and frequent basis with co-workers to exchange information, coordinate assignments, and resolve reporting problems. Other regular contacts include representatives at all levels of departments, agencies, and media to obtain information and facilitate procedures for information dissemination and media relations; graphics designers concerning the design and content of materials; and representatives of print and broadcast media to exchange information concerning a variety of issues. While this class of work occasionally requires employees to meet with or speak before the public and citizen groups, it does not typically require employees to provide direct public assistance on a one-to-one basis.

About The Agency

The Prince George's County Office of the Sheriff has been a vital link in the criminal justice system for more than 300 years, providing the citizens of Prince George’s County with professional, transparent, and effective law enforcement service. The Office of the Sheriff serves as the law enforcement arm of the courts, responding to domestic violence calls, processing warrants, civil papers, domestic violence peace and protective orders, Emergency Psychiatric Petition (E.P.S.) orders, and the execution of evictions. The Office of the Sheriff is also responsible for court security, providing security and protection for visitors to our courthouses and securing courtrooms and holding areas. Deputies transport prisoners and are responsible for extraditing fugitives from other states.

Examples of Work

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: PUBLIC INFORMATION / PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER FOR THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

• Prepares and distributes agency news releases, ensuring that information provided to the news media is accurate, timely, complete and within limitations set by the law and agency rules and procedures. Ensures that information is given in a professional manner, consistent with accepted journalistic practices working closely with agency components in the coordination and release of information.
• Assists in developing and directing informational programs for the agency that is characterized by candor, honesty, and service to the public, in keeping with the “open government” policy of the County Government.
• Ensures that the day-to-day functions of the Public Information Office are performed i.e., clips, logs, media requests, press releases, website updates, social media site updates, etc.
• Coordinates the release of information concerning victims, witnesses, and suspects, making sure that such release is compatible with on-going investigations or operations and is balanced between the rights of privacy of individuals and the public’s right to be informed.
• When required, maintains an on-call response to news media or agency personnel for times when newsworthy events might justify the use of resources.
• -When necessary, in major events, responds to incident scenes to coordinate and disseminate information to the media. Provides media and public information liaison within the agency or community.
• Maintains liaison with the various news media to promote the dissemination of agency information. Coordinates news conferences and assists in presentations of information by agency personnel or presents such information, as may be required by circumstances of the instant case.
  
  

COORDINATES PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY BASED EVENTS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

• Represents the Office of the Sheriff at events and provides reports and takes photographs at public events, county programs, day-to-day operations of the agency, or any county or community program in which the Office of the Sheriff is involved and wishes to provide the media to inform and educate the public about activities in which the Office of the Sheriff participates. Additionally, provides support to the Sheriff and other Senior Command Staff members during participation at community and civic events.
  
  

SPOKESPERSON

• Serves as spokesperson for the department on any newsworthy matters, appearing on radio, television and in person, and as a spokesperson to be quoted in newspapers. Work requires a good knowledge of departmental policy and news media, and the ability to speak before the public. On occasion may be expected to speak for the Sheriff, or Chief Assistant Sheriff (when not available) on matters of departmental policy. Represents the Office of the Sheriff as spokesperson at community, civic and governmental meetings, and forums.
  
  

EDITORIAL

• All materials edited reflect accepted, professional standards for publications. Visual layout of material is well-designed providing maximum visual effect for minimum cost.
• All material edited for release to the media will be written according to agency policy. Photographs will be suitable for reproduction.
  
  

JOURNALISM

• Writes press releases on all matters requiring sensitive public relations using knowledge and skill.
• Prepares written entries to social media sites, i.e., Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Blogger, as well as agency Website.
  
  

Performs Other Related Duties As Assigned

• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties assigned which may not be specifically listed in position description but are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.
  
  

Qualifications

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or closely related field.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess experience utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
• Possess experience using graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, Canva, etc.)
• Possess experience speaking in public settings or forums.
• Possess considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and public relations.
• Possess proficient use of the English language.
• Possess knowledgeable experience working with Maryland Public Information Act requests.
  
  

EACH APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION WHICH CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION

Additional Information

Job Location: 5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:

• Must successfully pass a background investigation conducted by the Prince George’s County, Office of Human Resources Management, Public Safety Investigations Division.
• Must be able to work during non-standard work hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must pass a medical examination, including a drug screening and random drug and alcohol tests.
• Must meet and demonstrate proficiency in all agency-required training and certification standards.
• Incumbents are ESSENTIAL employees and are required to work during emergency situations, including inclement weather, natural and man-made disasters, etc., and conform/perform according to essential public safety employee policy/procedure.
• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Participate as an "Essential" employee in the department's snow and ice control program and other emergency or special activities as assigned.
  
  

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Eligibility to Work: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS:If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace