Responsibilities

• The Public Affairs Manager serves as a key member of the Sheriff's Office leadership team and is responsible for directing comprehensive public relations, communications, media engagement, and marketing efforts.
• This role oversees the Sheriff's 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 web-based 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 organization’s public image and branding, and fosters cross departmental alignment on messaging.
• The Public Affairs Manager collaborates closely with leadership to shape public understanding of key programs and initiatives, represents the Sheriff's Office at community and stakeholder events, and leads efforts to support transparency, community engagement, and equitable access to information.
• The position emphasizes relationship building, effective supervision, cross functional coordination, and the development of communication tools and processes that reflect organizational values and enhance public trust.
• Selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s 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.
• 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) must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office. The background investigation typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete.

Preferred

• Ideal 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 high‑profile communication initiatives.
• Advanced ability to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies using written, digital, social, and web‑based media.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, accurate, and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• Skill in navigating sensitive, high‑profile, 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.

Benefits

• 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.