Job Description
Salary: $52,826.00 - $113,952.00 Annually
Location : Upper Marlboro, MD
Job Type: Probationary FT
Job Number: 9230
Department: Office of the Sheriff
Division: Public Affairs Staff
Opening Date: 02/24/2025
Closing Date: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature and Variety of Work PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Come join our team! Prince George's County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.
We are Prince George's Proud! The Prince George's County Government
Office of the Sheriff is seeking qualified applicants to fill a
Public Information Officer II position, grade G21, within its Executive Administration/Public Affairs Division.
About the Position: This is full-performance professional journalistic and media relations work involving the preparation and dissemination of information and informational materials in support of programs, services, and activities within the Office of the Sheriff. The primary emphasis of a Public Information Officer is to draft plans for information activities and coordinate the arrangements for enacting assigned information activities, writing and preparation of agency informational materials.
Work has an impact on the public's knowledge and understanding of the organization, operation, and services provided by the Office of the Sheriff. Personal contacts occur on a regular and frequent basis with co-workers to exchange information, coordinate assignments, and resolve reporting problems. Other regular contacts include representatives at all levels of departments, agencies, and media to obtain information and facilitate procedures for information dissemination and media relations; graphics designers concerning the design and content of materials; and representatives of print and broadcast media to exchange information concerning a variety of issues. While this class of work occasionally requires employees to meet with or speak before the public and citizen groups, it does not typically require employees to provide direct public assistance on a one-to-one basis.
About the Agency The Prince George's County Office of the Sheriff has been a vital link in the criminal justice system for more than 300 years, providing the citizens of Prince George's County with professional, transparent, and effective law enforcement service. The Office of the Sheriff serves as the law enforcement arm of the courts, responding to domestic violence calls, processing warrants, civil papers, domestic violence peace and protective orders, Emergency Psychiatric Petition (E.P.S.) orders, and the execution of evictions. The Office of the Sheriff is also responsible for court security, providing security and protection for visitors to our courthouses and securing courtrooms and holding areas. Deputies transport prisoners and are responsible for extraditing fugitives from other states.
Examples of Work ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: PUBLIC INFORMATION / PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER FOR THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
- Prepares and distributes agency news releases, ensuring that information provided to the news media is accurate, timely, complete and within limitations set by the law and agency rules and procedures. Ensures that information is given in a professional manner, consistent with accepted journalistic practices working closely with agency components in the coordination and release of information.
- Assists in developing and directing informational programs for the agency that is characterized by candor, honesty, and service to the public, in keeping with the "open government" policy of the County Government.
- Ensures that the day-to-day functions of the Public Information Office are performed i.e., clips, logs, media requests, press releases, website updates, social media site updates, etc.
- Coordinates the release of information concerning victims, witnesses, and suspects, making sure that such release is compatible with on-going investigations or operations and is balanced between the rights of privacy of individuals and the public's right to be informed.
- When required, maintains an on-call response to news media or agency personnel for times when newsworthy events might justify the use of resources.
- -When necessary, in major events, responds to incident scenes to coordinate and disseminate information to the media. Provides media and public information liaison within the agency or community.
- Maintains liaison with the various news media to promote the dissemination of agency information. Coordinates news conferences and assists in presentations of information by agency personnel or presents such information, as may be required by circumstances of the instant case.
COORDINATES PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY BASED EVENTS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
- Represents the Office of the Sheriff at events and provides reports and takes photographs at public events, county programs, day-to-day operations of the agency, or any county or community program in which the Office of the Sheriff is involved and wishes to provide the media to inform and educate the public about activities in which the Office of the Sheriff participates. Additionally, provides support to the Sheriff and other Senior Command Staff members during participation at community and civic events.
SPOKESPERSON
- Serves as spokesperson for the department on any newsworthy matters, appearing on radio, television and in person, and as a spokesperson to be quoted in newspapers. Work requires a good knowledge of departmental policy and news media, and the ability to speak before the public. On occasion may be expected to speak for the Sheriff, or Chief Assistant Sheriff (when not available) on matters of departmental policy. Represents the Office of the Sheriff as spokesperson at community, civic and governmental meetings, and forums.
EDITORIAL
- All materials edited reflect accepted, professional standards for publications. Visual layout of material is well-designed providing maximum visual effect for minimum cost.
- All material edited for release to the media will be written according to agency policy. Photographs will be suitable for reproduction.
JOURNALISM
- Writes press releases on all matters requiring sensitive public relations using knowledge and skill.
- Prepares written entries to social media sites, i.e., Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Blogger, as well as agency Website.
PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
- Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties assigned which may not be specifically listed in position description but are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.
Qualifications What You'll Need :
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.
- Two (2) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications :
- Possess experience utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
- Possess experience using graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, Canva, etc.)
- Possess experience speaking in public settings or forums.
- Possess considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and public relations.
- Possess proficient use of the English language.
- Possess knowledgeable experience working with Maryland Public Information Act requests.
EACH APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION WHICH CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION Additional Information Job Location : 5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Conditions of Employment : Upon selection, the candidate must: - Must successfully pass a background investigation conducted by the Prince George's County, Office of Human Resources Management, Public Safety Investigations Division.
- Must be able to work during non-standard work hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Must pass a medical examination, including a drug screening and random drug and alcohol tests.
- Must meet and demonstrate proficiency in all agency-required training and certification standards.
- Incumbents are ESSENTIAL employees and are required to work during emergency situations, including inclement weather, natural and man-made disasters, etc., and conform/perform according to essential public safety employee policy/procedure.
- Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
- Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
- Participate as an "Essential" employee in the department's snow and ice control program and other emergency or special activities as assigned.
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED Eligibility to Work : Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS : If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.
Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
General Plan Information: The Prince George's County benefits plan year is from January 1 to December 31.
A spouse (to include a same sex spouse) can be added to the health benefit plans. A marriage certificate and social security number is required to add a spouse.
Children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the health benefit plans. This includes stepchildren and children of the same-sex spouse. A birth certificate(s) and social security number(s) is required to add a child(ren). If you are only adding the stepchildren or child(ren) of a same-sex spouse, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You will also need to submit the birth certificate of the child(ren) and your spouse must be listed as a parent.
The premiums for health benefits are deducted on a pre-tax basis with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Extra Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits (Short-Term Disability, Whole Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Cancer Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity Protection, Accident Indemnity Plan, Supplemental Dental and Group Legal Services).
New employees must enroll in the County's health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date. The effective date of the health benefits coverage is the
beginning of the month following a waiting period of forty-five (45) days from the date of hire. After enrolling in the County's benefit plans, employees may only make changes to the plans either during the open enrollment period, which occurs annually (usually each October), and/or during the year, due to a family status change (i.e., marriage, births, divorce and adoption).
Employee Benefits
Prince George's County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
- Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage (part time employees are eligible for medical insurance if they work 15 + hours, per week)
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long & Short-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance Program
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick)
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Retirement Benefits
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
- Supplemental Pension Plan
- Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
- 457(b)
- 403(b)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits
- Critical Illness
- Whole Life Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Legal Services
For additional details, please visit:
01
I acknowledge and understand the responses to the supplemental questions must reflect the information provided under the "Work Experience" section of the application. My responses will be used to determine whether or not I possess the minimum qualifications required for this position.
02
What best describes your highest level of completed education?
- High School Diploma/G.E.D.
- Some College
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree/JD
- PhD/Doctorate
- Other
03
What best describes your major/field of college study?
- Journalism
- Communications
- Public Relations / Media Relations
- Other Related Field
- Other Unrelated Field
- I do not have college studies or a degree
04
If you selected "Other Related Field" or "Other Unrelated Field" for question #4, please indicate your major/field of study. Otherwise, please put N/A. Blank answers or answers that say "See Resume" will NOT be accepted.
05
How many years of professional experience do you have in journalism, public relations, communications or a closely related field?
- I do not have any experience.
- I have at least six (6) months experience but no more than one (1) year of experience.
- 1- year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4-years
- 5 years
- 6+ years
06
Describe your professional experience in journalism, public relations, or a closely related field. Please include employer(s) as well as date(s) of employment. Applications that state "See Resume" will not be reviewed. If you do not have experience, please put N/A.
07
Which of the following areas do you have at least 6 months of previous professional work experience? Select all that apply.
- Experience utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
- Public speaking in public settings or forums.
- Experience working with Maryland Public Information Act requests.
- Work experience supporting public safety
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and public relations
- Experience using graphic design software such as Adobe, Photoshop. Affinity Designer, Illustrator, Canva, etc.
- None of the above
08
Describe your work experience in all of the selected areas in question #7. Please include employer(s) as well as date(s) of employment. Applications that state "See Resume" will not be reviewed. If you do not have experience, please put N/A.
09
Do you have experience providing public relations or communications support in a public safety environment?
10
Are you willing and able to work onsite for this position?
11
Why are you the best and most qualified candidate for this position?
12
Are you willing and able to participate as an essential employee? Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.
Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,