Media Relations Manager

• Job Code: U8822
• Pay Grade:UG
• Pay Scale:$87,667.51-$142,965.48 Annually
• Exempt:Yes

Overview

The Media Relations Manager (MRM) plays a crucial role in enhancing the communication and media relations efforts of the Sheriff's Office. As part of the Communications Team, the MRM will work closely with the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and the Assistant Chief Communications Officer (ACCO) to maintain a positive and transparent relationship with the media, coordinate media communications, and supervise and support the efforts of Public Relations Coordinators (PRCs).

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

• Assist in managing media relations and maximize media opportunities to maintain a positive and transparent relationship with the media.

• Supervise and direct the activities of multiple professional level PRCs in achieving established organizational goals and objectives; coordinate functions; assign, monitor, and review work; coach and mentor staff and evaluate performance recommending and issuing disciplinary actions as needed.

• Collaborate with PRCs to align messaging with the Sheriff's Office's mission and values; train PRCs to ensure consistent messaging and professionalism.

• Review and proofread any press releases, statements, or media materials produced by PRCs.

• Review all public record requests made by the media and ensure timely responses to media inquiries and requests for information.

• Develop and distribute daily press releases, statements, and other media materials.

• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and other media-related events as needed.

• Assist in crisis communication planning to ensure effective and timely responses to emergency situations; support the CCO during crises or major incidents by coordinating media communications.

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, General Orders, memoranda, and bulletins to answer inquiries from the media or public.

• Maintain a comprehensive media contact database.

• Maintain records of media interactions and track the effectiveness of media outreach efforts.

• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports on media relations activities suggesting improvements where necessary.

• Participate in mandatory communications training (e.g., Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)) to maintain Sheriff’s Office duty readiness and compliance.

• Attend conferences, training classes, and workshops to keep abreast of new trends in public information dissemination.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of media production, communications, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform the public via written, oral, and visual media.

• Extensive knowledge of the functions, services, procedures, and regulations of the area to which assigned.

• Extensive knowledge of various computer software used in the development of communication media.

• Extensive knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to public record law.

• Working knowledge of Sheriff’s Office departmental rules, regulations, General Orders, memoranda, and bulletins.

• Knowledge of proactive strategies to support communications surrounding new, existing, or potential circumstances impacting the Sheriff’s Office.

• Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Ability to establish objectives and strategies, identify required resources, and develop plans to carry out work.

• Ability to plan, organize, and review the work of others.

• Ability to keep up with the current/emerging technology in the public relations and criminology fields.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Ability to work long hours under high-stress situations, including reviewing case records on homicides; child abuse/neglect cases; sexual assault and other major crime incidents.

• Ability to analyze data and present ideas and information effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain work related records and prepare reports.

• Ability to use considerable initiative, think independently, and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to handle confidential information.

• Ability to use a computer, printer, and word processing software.

• Ability to use various social media platforms.

• Ability to use still and video cameras and still and video camera editing software; photocopier; and sound systems.

Working Conditions

• Working within an office environment within a law enforcement agency.

• Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a scene, event, or workstation.

• Participating in an on-call status, available 24 hours a day while on a weekly rotation schedule with team members.

• Maintaining cell phone availability after hours and at home to provide assistance/guidance to subordinates.

• May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education with a major in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a closely related field.

• Six years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, or advertising.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

• No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.

• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

• No felony convictions within lifetime.

• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

• Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.

The duties and responsibilities on this job description represent the essential functions that an employee must be able to satisfactorily perform with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations shall be made upon request to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue agency hardship. The Sheriff’s Office retains the right to change or assign other duties to this job as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in supervising and mentoring a team.

• Working knowledge of crisis communication.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.

• Proficiency in using media relations tools and databases.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with media representatives and internal stakeholders.

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations.