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 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. Support the Criminal District Attorney and staff in news releases, public information, marketing, and media relations.

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 and 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 the 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 and may direct the 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, with verbal and written accuracy following Associated Press Stylebook guidelines.
• Proficiency with computer graphics software, photography, and video.
• Experience with spreadsheet and/or word processing software or specialized software applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to articulate information and speak to groups of people.
• Ability to work cooperatively with lawyers, media representatives, support staff, city and county officials, and investigators.
• Ability to organize and effectively present ideas, concepts, and recommendations orally, graphically, and in writing.

Additional Information

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office is a law enforcement agency. A thorough background, criminal history, and financial check is conducted on all applicants seeking employment. Should any findings not meet the standards for employment, the application will no longer be considered for this position. The Texas CJIS System Access Policy restricts access to criminal history record information, and the ability to access CJIS information is a requirement of this position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, lift, push, and pull.