Community Affairs Officer- Public Information Officer

Serves as an informational resource between the community, guests, partners, and local law enforcement to increase awareness, transparency, and participation in prevention and safety campaigns. Plans and implements events with community partners, staff, and volunteers to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office. Provides administrative support for all Sheriff’s Office staff and enforcement teams.

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Mission, Vision, and Values:

To serve the people of Eagle County by promoting and maintaining a sense of peace and cooperation throughout our community and improving the quality of life through excellence.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8AM-5PM although, this person is responsible for working a variety of hours which includes being on-call and available for events, emergency call-outs, and media issues.

Essential Functions:

• Organizes community outreach programs, plans, coordinates, and executes special events and public appearances to foster transparency with public opinion, promote safety, and the immediate welfare of the citizens and guests in Eagle County.
  Responsible for the dissemination of information concerning the safety and immediate welfare of the citizens of Eagle County, as well as any information that may be of public interest, preparedness, or safety.
  Represents the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office agency as a whole in the shared duties of a Public Information Officer (PIO).

Assists as Public Information Officer

• As a PIO, create and enable clear and concise communication between a government agency and both news media outlets and the general public, promoting a positive public image with statements released to the press and the community following government guidelines, being completely accurate and adhering to official policy or laws. To include but not limited to the following areas:
  • Planning and hosting press conferences to announce major news or address crises.
  • Preparing press releases, speeches, articles, social media posts, and other materials for public consumption.
  • Developing strategies and procedures for working effectively with the media.
  • Maintaining good working relationships with media organizations.
  • Collaborating with executive management and the marketing team to ensure a cohesive public image.
  • Working with various teams to organize and host public events and promotions.
  • Speaking directly to the public or media to address questions and represent the organization.

As a Social Media/Website Manager

• Responsible for overseeing interactions between the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and the community by implementing existing social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) with content strategies.
  • Regularly analyzes engagement data, identifies trends in community interactions, and plans digital campaigns for daily content creation around safety/preparedness initiatives, community relations, and engagement.
  • Interacting with and responding to direct messages and inquiries across all social media accounts.
  • Desiminates public safety information accurately and in a timely manner across multiple platforms.
  • Manage and maintain all Sheriff’s Office website, and social media applications, programs, and updates.

Coordinator for the Eagle County Crime Stoppers civilian board

• Serves as the Law Enforcement coordinator to help coordinate crime information among law enforcement and partner agencies throughout Eagle County.
  • Maintains all P3 tipster software and programs to encourage the reporting of anonymous crime tips which may lead to the solvability of crime.
  • Maintains funding and annual grant writing as required to help provide funding for annual expenses and programs.

Other duties

• Provide administrative support for the Sheriff’s Office front office staff and maintain knowledge of all procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Observes safety and security procedures, uses equipment and materials safely and reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Serves the community by demonstrating Eagle County Government’s mission and core values and following relevant policies and procedures. 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid State Driver’s License and a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• An associate degree or continuing education in Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Three years of responsible experience in law enforcement or related field, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must be able to successfully complete a polygraph test, psychological exam, fitness test,
  physical, drug screen, and detailed background investigation.
• Must not have used illegal drugs within the past 3 years or marijuana within the past 1 year.
• Must not have been convicted of any felonies or any acts involving domestic violence.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration:

• NCIC/CCIC Certification preferred.
• CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) preferred
• Colorado Public Notary Certification preferred but will be required to obtain within 6 months of hire date.
• Preferred training and certifications to support EOC (Emergency Operations Center) functions:IS – 700 (NIMS Introduction)
  • ICS – 100 (Introduction to ICS)
  • ICS – 200 (Basic ICS for Initial Response)
  • ICS – 300 (Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents)
  • ICS – 400 (Advanced ICS)
• Preferred training and certifications to support PIO (Public Information Officer) role:
  • G290 Basic Public Information Officer
  • G291 Joint Information Center
  • G191 ICS Emergency Operations Center Interface
• Preferred training and certifications to support government Social Media applications:
  • PER-304 (Social Media for Disaster Response)
  • PER-344 (Social Media Tools & Techniques)
  • PER-343 (Social Media Engagement Strategies)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Google, Microsoft Office, G Suite, Social Media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), desktop and mobile devices with related programs, software, and office equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, originality, and innovation in the workplace.
• Demonstrating drive and commitment to work.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and actions.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and to build collaborative relationships with others.
• Achieves goals and produces high-quality results in a timely manner.
• Provides excellent customer service, both internally and externally in a tactful, clear, and courteous manner while striving to exceed customer expectations; remains calm and focused in stressful and sometimes challenging situations.
• Is aware of, responds to, and considers the needs, feelings, and capabilities of a diverse array of others as well as oneself. Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work extremely well as part of a team.
• Ability to express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience both verbally and in writing. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak publicly and facilitate discussions to gain consensus.
• Identifies needs, arranges for, and obtains resources needed to accomplish own and agency goals and objectives in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility, and accountability. Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects and documents with tact, kindness, and professionalism.
• Modifies own behavior and work activities in response to new information, changing conditions, weather, or unexpected obstacles.
• Identifies what needs to be done and takes action before being asked or the situation requires it.
• Able to switch gears between tasks quickly and work with interruptions.
• Able to successfully balance multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.
• Ability to stay current with new technologies and learn how to use them.
• Planning ahead, managing time well, being on time, being cost-conscious, and thinking of better ways to do things.
• Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embracing continuous improvement.

Culture & Benefits

A career with Eagle County Government impacts and enriches the lives of our community members by following our mission: Creating a Better Eagle County for All. With nearly 500 amazing employees, Eagle County is a progressive and values-driven organization located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 

Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a small-town community are attracted to Eagle County for the amazing lifestyle. Although we are best known for our world-class skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and outdoor activities, it is really the people that make our valley so great!

Benefits for full-time employees: 

• Comprehensive and low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness program where you can earn cash or extra days off
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off and medical leave 
• Paid volunteer hours
• 6% match retirement plan
• Free classes at Colorado Mountain College
• Eagle County University classes (internal trainings) 
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Free bus pass and more

As a certified healthy workplace, our culture recognizes the importance of individual needs and enjoying life outside of work. Other perks may include flexible work arrangements, paid volunteer time, and daytime fitness classes/bike rides. 

Eagle County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Working in a diverse, respectful and inclusive environment is essential for our employees be successful in serving our community. We do not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Eagle, CO Relocation Guide (Courtesy of Town of Eagle & Eagle Chamber)

Vail Valley Relocation Guide (Courtesy of Vail Valley Partnership)

Housing in Eagle County: Like many desirable communities in Colorado and around the nation, we are currently experiencing a short supply of affordable homes to rent or buy. As an organization, we offer employees great benefits to help purchase a home and have a very limited supply of rental units that may be available based on inventory.

Interested candidates are encouraged to research the housing market before applying for a job and/or accepting an offer. Some resources include our Housing & Relocation Information and our Housing Department’s website which includes information about Eagle County’s Down Payment Assistance Program, Rental Assistance, and more.