Communications Officer - Bexar County, TX : Job Details

Summary

Under administrative direction from the District Attorney, serves as the primary liaison for communications and information between the news media and the District Attorney's Office; ensures effective flow of information between the District Attorney's Office and the media; identifies and implements appropriate strategies with a goal of improved reputation with the media; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Serves as a primary liaison regarding news media and media requests

* Identifies and implements appropriate strategies to ensure effective flow of communication between the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement agencies and the media regarding public information related to cases handled by the Office

* Responsible for making sound decisions, judgment, and meeting deadlines when information is released to the news media

* Responsible for case research of defendants, pending cases, and adjudicated cases

* Tracks high profile criminal cases, current criminal trials, pleas, sentencings, and cases in the appellate process

* Creates, produces, and directs an effective interface with the media by conveying useful information via the internet, fact sheets, and/or press releases

* Maintains a media listing including local, regional, and state media outlets

* Coordinates with the District Attorney's Government Relations Advisor for writing speeches, and preparing and executing presentations for the District Attorney and the Office during media and external events

* Directs media Open Records Requests for information to attorney responsible for compliance with state and federal laws

* Responsible for the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office Social Media, including review of social media sites and established guidelines to ensure compliance with County social media polices

* Promotes and highlights the excellent work of the District Attorney's Office with members of the media

* Collaborates with various departments to establish internal communications channels to obtain input from Office employees on ways to improve internal communication

* Collaborates with the Bexar County Information Technology (BCIT) department to create and maintain the District Attorney's Office web pages hosted by the BCIT department

* Collaborates with the District Attorney's Government Relations Advisor to develop and coordinate public service announcements to effectively balance media and external relations

* Conducts special projects as assigned

* Produces Public Service Announcements and monthly videos pertaining to the office and the various departments within the Office

* Prepares Office representatives for media interviews

* Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration or a related field, and five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, public affairs, media relations, or strategic planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

* Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the disclosure of public records; excellent knowledge of public information and promotional campaign development and implementation

* Skill in writing press releases, speeches, newsletters, and promotional programs; skill in coordinating news conferences; excellent skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; skill in utilizing Windows-based word processing and graphics software; and skill in working with wide variety of media, including print, broadcast and webpages

* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; ability to track and manage legal deadlines and coordinate with outside agencies to meet the statutory requirements relating to records disclosure or nondisclosure; ability to comfortably communicate and engage the media through both oral and written communication; ability to develop contacts and strong relationships with various members of the news media; ability to perform under pressure maintain confidentiality; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Department/Division Heads, and media agencies

* Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance

* Must clear a pre-employment physical

* Must have a valid driver's license.

* Required to be on call 24 hours a day

* May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

* Working conditions are primarily in an office environment

* Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting up to 40 pounds

* Occasionally move about the office

* Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information

* Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

* Positions self to perform essential functions

* Must be able to remain in a stationary position

Supplemental Information

Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 210-###-####.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.