Civilian Communications Specialist
Warren County, VA, Front Royal, Virginia, United States, 22630
Description
COUNTY OF WARREN
PART TIME CIVILIAN COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Position Summary
The Warren County Sheriff's Office is seeking a part-time civilian Communications Specialist to lead the agency's public communications and digital presence. This position will build and manage a modern agency website, manage all official social media platforms, and perform Public Information Officer (PIO) support duties. The Communications Specialist will create timely, accurate, professional messaging that reflects agency expectations, supports transparency, promotes public safety, and strengthens community partnerships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Website Development and Management Develop, launch, and maintain the Sheriff's Office website, including layout, navigation, page content, and routine updates. Publish and maintain agency content such as press releases, public safety advisories, recruitment information, program pages, community events, and contact resources. Ensure content is current, accurate, professional, and consistent with agency branding and expectations. Coordinate with vendors/IT/hosting providers as needed; maintain basic documentation and continuity procedures. Management and Public Engagement
Manage all official social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), including posting, scheduling, monitoring, and message management. Develop and maintain a content calendar that balances public safety messaging, community engagement, recruiting, and agency highlights. Respond directly to routine questions, comments, and direct messages in a professional manner consistent with agency standards, after training and guidance. Identify misinformation, emerging concerns, or reputational risk and notify leadership promptly when escalation is appropriate. Capture and edit basic photo/video content (as assigned) for public information and outreach. Podcast Finalization and Production Support
Finalize launch and operational workflow for the agency podcast (branding, episode format, templates, publishing schedule, distribution platforms). Coordinate scheduling, planning, recording logistics, and post-production needs (basic editing or vendor coordination). Draft episode descriptions, promotional posts, and ensure content aligns with agency expectations and operational security. PIO and Media Support
Draft press releases, public advisories, traffic and weather-related notices, event announcements, and other official messaging for Sheriff review/approval. Support responses to media inquiries by gathering information, coordinating interviews as directed, and preparing talking points and background summaries for leadership. Assist with communications during major incidents and high-visibility events, including rapid updates and coordination with partner agencies as directed. Maintain and update a library of templates, approved language, and frequently used content for quick, consistent release. All communications must maintain professionalism, accuracy, discretion, and alignment with agency values. Marketing, Recruiting, and Community Outreach
Create recruiting and retention communications (career posts, highlight features, "day in the life" content, hiring announcements). Promote community programs and prevention campaigns; coordinate with internal units to identify content opportunities. Maintain consistent brand identity and messaging across platforms. Track basic metrics (website traffic, engagement, reach) and provide brief monthly summaries with practical recommendations. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; ability to translate operational information into clear public-facing messaging. Proven ability to manage social media for an organization, including public engagement and message management. Ability to build and maintain websites using a CMS platform (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or similar) and learn agency-selected systems quickly. Basic photo/video capture and editing skills for digital communication (cropping, trimming, captions, simple graphics). Strong organization and time management; ability to manage deadlines, approvals, and changing priorities. Strong judgment and discretion; ability to handle sensitive information appropriately. Ability to work effectively with law enforcement leadership and staff; calm, professional demeanor under pressure. Graphic design experience (e.g., Canva/Adobe) and comfort developing branded templates. Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required. Two (2) years of experience in communications, marketing, digital media, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field;
or
an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates ability to perform the job. Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed. Ability to pass a background investigation consistent with Sheriff's Office employment standards. Work Schedule and Conditions
Part-time schedule:
30 hours per week . Some evening/weekend availability may be required for events, emergencies, or urgent public communications. Work may be on-site and/or hybrid as assigned; on-site presence may be required for content capture and operational coordination. Application Process
Submit:
County application (required) Resume Writing sample (press release, public notice, or campaign sample preferred) Portfolio or links to prior website/social media/podcast work (if available)
The Warren County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status.
COUNTY OF WARREN
PART TIME CIVILIAN COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Position Summary
The Warren County Sheriff's Office is seeking a part-time civilian Communications Specialist to lead the agency's public communications and digital presence. This position will build and manage a modern agency website, manage all official social media platforms, and perform Public Information Officer (PIO) support duties. The Communications Specialist will create timely, accurate, professional messaging that reflects agency expectations, supports transparency, promotes public safety, and strengthens community partnerships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Website Development and Management Develop, launch, and maintain the Sheriff's Office website, including layout, navigation, page content, and routine updates. Publish and maintain agency content such as press releases, public safety advisories, recruitment information, program pages, community events, and contact resources. Ensure content is current, accurate, professional, and consistent with agency branding and expectations. Coordinate with vendors/IT/hosting providers as needed; maintain basic documentation and continuity procedures. Management and Public Engagement
Manage all official social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), including posting, scheduling, monitoring, and message management. Develop and maintain a content calendar that balances public safety messaging, community engagement, recruiting, and agency highlights. Respond directly to routine questions, comments, and direct messages in a professional manner consistent with agency standards, after training and guidance. Identify misinformation, emerging concerns, or reputational risk and notify leadership promptly when escalation is appropriate. Capture and edit basic photo/video content (as assigned) for public information and outreach. Podcast Finalization and Production Support
Finalize launch and operational workflow for the agency podcast (branding, episode format, templates, publishing schedule, distribution platforms). Coordinate scheduling, planning, recording logistics, and post-production needs (basic editing or vendor coordination). Draft episode descriptions, promotional posts, and ensure content aligns with agency expectations and operational security. PIO and Media Support
Draft press releases, public advisories, traffic and weather-related notices, event announcements, and other official messaging for Sheriff review/approval. Support responses to media inquiries by gathering information, coordinating interviews as directed, and preparing talking points and background summaries for leadership. Assist with communications during major incidents and high-visibility events, including rapid updates and coordination with partner agencies as directed. Maintain and update a library of templates, approved language, and frequently used content for quick, consistent release. All communications must maintain professionalism, accuracy, discretion, and alignment with agency values. Marketing, Recruiting, and Community Outreach
Create recruiting and retention communications (career posts, highlight features, "day in the life" content, hiring announcements). Promote community programs and prevention campaigns; coordinate with internal units to identify content opportunities. Maintain consistent brand identity and messaging across platforms. Track basic metrics (website traffic, engagement, reach) and provide brief monthly summaries with practical recommendations. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; ability to translate operational information into clear public-facing messaging. Proven ability to manage social media for an organization, including public engagement and message management. Ability to build and maintain websites using a CMS platform (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or similar) and learn agency-selected systems quickly. Basic photo/video capture and editing skills for digital communication (cropping, trimming, captions, simple graphics). Strong organization and time management; ability to manage deadlines, approvals, and changing priorities. Strong judgment and discretion; ability to handle sensitive information appropriately. Ability to work effectively with law enforcement leadership and staff; calm, professional demeanor under pressure. Graphic design experience (e.g., Canva/Adobe) and comfort developing branded templates. Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required. Two (2) years of experience in communications, marketing, digital media, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field;
or
an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates ability to perform the job. Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed. Ability to pass a background investigation consistent with Sheriff's Office employment standards. Work Schedule and Conditions
Part-time schedule:
30 hours per week . Some evening/weekend availability may be required for events, emergencies, or urgent public communications. Work may be on-site and/or hybrid as assigned; on-site presence may be required for content capture and operational coordination. Application Process
Submit:
County application (required) Resume Writing sample (press release, public notice, or campaign sample preferred) Portfolio or links to prior website/social media/podcast work (if available)
The Warren County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status.