DIRECTOR of COMMUNICATIONS (Deputy Chief of Staff)

Director Of Communications

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Director of Communications to serve as the chief architect and steward of the Sheriff's Office's internal and external communications strategy. This executive-level leader oversees media relations, public information, crisis communications, digital engagement, and strategic messaging to strengthen public trust, enhance transparency, and support the Sheriff's mission.
Key responsibilities include:
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Sheriff's Office mission, priorities, and community-engagement goals.
Serve as the Sheriff's senior advisor on communications, public perception, and reputation management.
Lead long-term planning for public information, digital outreach, and crisis readiness.
Act as the primary spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office or designate appropriate spokespersons depending on the situation.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
Coordinate press conferences, briefings, interviews, and media availabilities.
Ensure timely, accurate, and legally compliant responses to media inquiries and public-records requests.
Lead communications during critical incidents, emergencies, and high-profile events.
Develop and maintain crisis-communication protocols, messaging templates, and rapid-response workflows.
Collaborate with emergency management, county leadership, and partner agencies to ensure unified messaging.
Oversee all digital platforms, including social media, website content, video production, and community-engagement tools.
Implement data-driven strategies to increase transparency, improve public understanding of law-enforcement operations, and strengthen community trust.
Ensure messaging is accessible, culturally competent, and aligned with community needs.
Develop internal communication strategies to support employee engagement, morale, and organizational alignment.
Provide communication support for major internal initiatives, policy changes, and organizational updates.
Maintain consistent branding, tone, and messaging across all Sheriff's Office communications.
Oversee creation of press releases, talking points, speeches, reports, newsletters, and multimedia content.
Monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and emerging issues to anticipate communication needs.
Supervise communications staff, contractors, and vendors.
Provide media-training and public-speaking coaching for command staff, deputies, et al.
Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards, including confidentiality and public-records laws.
Work is performed in both office and field settings. Frequent availability outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call response for critical incidents. May require travel for conferences, training, or regional coordination.
Minimum qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
5 plus years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations.
Experience working with or supporting government, public safety, law enforcement, or emergency-response organizations.
Demonstrated experience managing communications during crises or high-pressure situations.
Strong writing, editing, and public-speaking skills.
Experience supervising staff and managing complex projects.
Preferred qualifications include:
Master's degree in a relevant field.
Prior experience in a law-enforcement agency, sheriff's office, public safety or similar public-sector environment.
Formal training in crisis communications, emergency management, or incident command (e.g., FEMA ICS courses).
Experience with digital-engagement analytics, social-media strategy, and multimedia content production.
Ability to navigate politically sensitive environments with discretion and sound judgment.
Key competencies include:
Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate issues and shape public narrative.
Calm under pressure, especially during emergencies or high-profile incidents.
Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ethical and transparent, committed to public service and community trust.
Technologically adept, with understanding of modern communication tools and platforms.
Collaborative leader who can work effectively with sworn and civilian staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Applicants should submit:
A resume
A cover letter describing relevant experience
Three professional references
Samples of previous communications work (press releases, campaigns, crisis statements, etc.)