Summary

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:

Under general direction, the Public Information Officer will direct and coordinate the Sheriff’s Office media relations and public information programs.  In this role, the PIO will support the Sheriff’s Office with the development and responsibility of overseeing external and internal communications, projects, programs, media relations, public relations, and public input for the Sheriff’s Office.  You’ll craft press releases, and manage web strategy and content for the Sheriff’s Office.

This position is located in Deschutes County and requires in-office work, as authorized by the needs of the office and at the discretion of the Sheriff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Public Information: Coordinates, develops, and monitors the design and implementation of external marketing and communication programs promoting goals, programs, and services.
• Media Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and serve, as needed, as the organization’s spokesperson. Proactively pitch stories to local media; writes, edits, and disseminates information.
• Community Engagement: Support divisions of the Sheriff’s Office with inclusive community outreach and engagement strategies.
• Web Content and Strategy: Collaborate with the administration and Sheriff’s Office IT to manage the structure, content and effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office website. Provide on-going consultative (technical, branding and content development) support to web stakeholders across the county. Create and publish engaging, accurate and timely content.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Writing, proofreading, and editing news releases, newsletters, emails and more.
• Professional experience using an email marketing program like Constant Contact or Mailchimp.
• Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and web publishing platforms.
• Associated Press Style Guidelines.
• Three years of professional experience with the following:
  • Developing and executing communications plans and strategies.
  • Media relations.
  • Developing and maintaining website content.

Skill in:

• Writing, editing and proofreading.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Project management and the ability to effectively prioritize, troubleshoot and maintain multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function.

Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.

Review the full job description by clicking HERE.

Compensation

$6,774.40 to $9,078.37 per month for a 172.67-hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This position is available immediately.
 
BENEFITS:
Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, or Communications or a related field; 

AND three (3) years of responsible experience in public affairs, public information, or public relations; 

OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver’s license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must pass a pre-qualifying driving record review and criminal history background. 

• A current driver’s license and the state of origin are required. Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must include an accurate driver’s license number and state of origin on their application under the Personal Information section.

Background Investigation:

• A successful candidate will complete a full background investigation and interview prior to receiving a conditional job offer.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply – we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.