ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Criminal District Attorney

About the role

Perform professional level duties on a day-to-day basis to assist in the implementation of the communication goals and operations of the Criminal District Attorney's Office. Assist with the coordination of the Criminal District Attorney's Office communications, public information, media relations, and services including managing resources to timely provide media and citizens with information regarding the criminal justice process in Tarrant County.

Responsibilities

• Attends trials and prepares news releases.
• Assists with field inquiries from the media, public and professional community in coordination with the Communications Officer.
• Acts as a spokesperson for the Criminal District Attorney when requested.
• Assists with all aspects of media relations.
• Promotes the department in the community.
• Drafts and develops news releases, editorials, brochures, workbooks, informational publications, reports, bulletins, PowerPoint and video productions, and website communication for the Criminal District Attorney's Office.
• Organizes and performs special research and other projects.
• Writes scripts and speeches.
• Provides public information regarding the criminal justice system and facilitates media requests for information, interviews, and the status of pending criminal cases.
• Arranges news conferences and interviews as needed and strategically arranges media meetings to provide ongoing communication between the Criminal District Attorney's Office and the media.
• Gathers information and data and performs professional level analysis.
• Acts as a resource for staff, constituents, and public regarding criminal justice issues.
• Develops, designs, and produces print and video materials and publications with effective follow-through and commitment to excellence.
• Maintains knowledge of skills, processes, and best practices in the area of responsibility.
• May assist or train lower level staff or interns.
• May direct work of clerical and support staff.
• Performs all other related duties involved in the operations of the Criminal District Attorney's Office as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and one (1) year of related experience.
• Highly-developed communication skills and techniques and verbal and written accuracy following Associated Press Stylebook guidelines.
• Proficient with computer graphics software, photography and video.
• Spreadsheet and/or word processing software experience or specialized software applications required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to articulate information and speak to groups of people.

Qualifications

The Assistant Communications Officer is responsible for working in a cooperative manner with lawyers, media representatives, support staff, city and county officials, and investigators. The Assistant Communications Officer must be able to organize and effectively present ideas, concepts and recommendations orally, graphically, and in writing.

Skills

Must have highly-developed communication skills and techniques and verbal and written accuracy following Associated Press Stylebook guidelines. Must be proficient with computer graphics software, photography and video. Spreadsheet and/or word processing software experience or specialized software applications required.

Benefits

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.