Information Officer III

Serves with agency s lead communicator, to help manage a comprehensive, pro-active public information program. Creates and maintains a favorable public image by communicating the agency s mission, programs, accomplishments, and perspectives. Oversees and participates in the day-to-day operations of the public information program, including preparing and disseminating information to the media, county officials and partner agencies/organizations and responding to public inquiries. Develops internal and external communication strategies and seeks and creates opportunities to publicly promote the sheriff s office mission, programs, accomplishments, and perspectives. Provides guidance and oversight for the sworn PIO on writing, media response and special interest requests/projects. Provides guidance to agency staff concerning the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, county employees and special interest groups.

• Serves on 24-hour call, with responsibility for notifying County officials of significant incidents;
• Makes decisions under pressure and deadlines regarding information that may be released to the press;
• Coordinates and provides information regarding emergency incidents and other sensitive matters to the news media;
• Plans, directs, and executes publicity campaigns designed to inform citizens about various
• county programs, events or legislation;
• Supervises the work of subordinates engaged, in public information activities;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media;
• Responds to requests for information regarding agency/County programs;
• Provides assistance to agency/County staff as to the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, government employees, and other target groups;
• Monitors and edits County's website content for style, accuracy, and timeliness;
• Develops and implements County's website publicity program to increase participation and use;
• Establishes and maintains countywide electronic public information policies;
• Coordinates electronic FOIA issues;
• Serves as liaison to vendors, county agencies, and others regarding county website activities;
• Serves as contact for international, national, and local dignitaries, senior management, and others who desire information about the County's e-government program;
• Ensures that County's e-government program is effective and useful for internal agencies and the general public;
• Plans and executes the County's technology marketing program to inform the public about the benefits of e-government;
• Conducts presentations to County management and Board of Supervisors to present public access technologies and capabilities;
• Designs, develops, and implements effective navigation schemes for applications and business transactions for the county worldwide website;
• May write and disseminate Board news releases, coordinate Board members public appearances and ceremonies, and keeps Board members abreast of new communication tools and trends;
• Conducts audience/constituent research on projects.

• Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the media regarding content, format, and timing of official releases;
• Broad knowledge of the principles of public administration and public relations as applied to local government operations;
• Knowledge of new media and its applications;
• Knowledge of fundamentals of digital still photography;
• Ability to plan and execute photographic coverage of complex events;
• Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the County;
• Ability to plan and review the work of others;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, the press, and County employees.

• Experience providing internal and external communications for local, state, or federal government, specifically law enforcement and/or the Sheriff's Office
• Experience providing public relations to local government operations and public safety
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media and its applications, prior experience with large-scale professional media and communications plans
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundamentals of digital still photography and videography
• Demonstrated experience developing professional relationships and working with the public, the press, and with County employees
• Ability to collaborate with civilian and sworn staff to execute an agency-wide strategic communications and media plan
• Ability to coordinate with civilian and sworn staff to ensure intra-agency coordination and cooperation with agency communications
• Ability to plan and execute photographic coverage of events
• Ability to adapt policy guidance to specific situations with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the Sheriff's Office and Fairfax County
• Experience supervising the work of others

• Driver's License (Required)
• Notary Public-Required within 3 months