Public Affairs & Communications Manager
Job Location:
Hillsboro, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.
Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Job Type:
RegularPay Range:
$121826.76 - $155524.08 SalaryDepartment:
Sheriffs OfficeFLSA Exemption Status:
ExemptAbout the Opportunity:
The Public Affairs Manager serves as a key member of the Sheriffs Office leadership team and is responsible for directing comprehensive public relations communications media engagement and marketing efforts. This role oversees the Sheriffs Office Public Affairs unit providing strategic direction supervising professional staff and ensuring that communication programs effectively support organizational goals. The Public Affairs Manager develops and implements high-profile communication strategies using written electronic social and webbased media to inform and engage the public news organizations community partners and internal stakeholders. The position leads the creation and dissemination of timely accurate and operationally aligned information including responses to media inquiries and coordination of communications on breaking news public campaigns and sensitive issues.
This role establishes policies and guidelines for communication practices strengthens the organizations public image and branding and fosters cross departmental alignment on messaging. The Public Affairs Manager collaborates closely withleadership to shape public understanding of key programs and initiatives represents the Sheriffs Office at community and stakeholder events and leads efforts to support transparency community engagement and equitable access to information. The position requires strong leadership strategic judgment and the ability to navigate complex communication challenges. It emphasizes relationship building effective supervision cross functional coordination and the development of communication tools and processes that reflect organizational values and enhance public trust.
Ideal Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Expertise in public relations media relations marketing and strategic communications within a large or complex organization.
Strong leadership and management skills including the ability to supervise professional staff and guide highprofile communication initiatives.
Advanced ability to design implement and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies using written digital social and webbased media.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including the ability to craft clear accurate and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
Skill in navigating sensitive highprofile or politically complex issues and providing sound strategic counsel to executive leadership. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including media community groups and internal partners.
Strong analytical and planning abilities including evaluating communication effectiveness and adapting strategies based on results.
Knowledge of public sector operations including governmental processes regulations and the role of public communication in local government.
To review the complete classification including the full list of knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position use this link: Public Affairs and Communications Manager.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors Degree AND Five (5) years of professional experience in public relations community outreach communications public information programs or related work within a complex organization which includes at least two (2) of the five (5) years in direct service to the operational needs of a law enforcement or large land use/public works organization and supervision/management of staff.
Additional Requirements
Selected candidate must be able to pass a Post-offer Drug Screen.
Must become Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) qualified upon hire.
Background Investigation: The selected finalist(s) for this position must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by background Investigation for this position typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete so you will want to plan accordingly. The information that will be required when you complete the Personal History Statement includes but is not limited to:
- Employment Information (past 10 years or back to age 17; 3 coworkers will be requested from each past employer)
- Residential Information (past 10 years or back to age 17)
- Financial Information
- References (6 without using the same people as coworkers or supervisor references)
- Family Member Information
- Driving History
- Past/Present Drug Use and/or Controlled Substances
- Criminal History
About the Department/Division:
The Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency located in Hillsboro Oregon serving the countys urban and rural residents. WCSO enhances public safety by fostering professionalism compassion and trust within its team and the communities it serves. WCSO is the primary first responder for unincorporated residents offering services from routine patrol and crime investigation to specialized teams. The WCSO also operates the countys only jail and provides contract services to cities within the county.
Public Affairs serves as the bridge between the Sheriffs Office and the communities we serve providing strategic communication community engagement and public information services that support the agencys mission and priorities. The team oversees media relations crisis and emergency communications digital and social media public education campaigns community outreach branding and stakeholder engagement. By delivering timely accurate and accessible information Public Affairs promotes transparency strengthens public trust and helps connect community members elected officials partner organizations and employees with the work and services of the Sheriffs Office.
Selection Process:
You can review our standard selection process here.
Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting selecting and advancing employees is based on knowledge skills and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation collaboration and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.
Veterans Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans preference for this recruitment please review the instructions using this link:Veterans Preference Points.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources or email: at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.
Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.
Questions
Recruiter:
Laura ArandaEmail Address:
Required Experience:
Manager
