Public Affairs Assistant

Public Affairs Assistant

We are seeking an experienced Public Affairs Assistant to support the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi (USAO SDMS) in Jackson, MS. Your scope of work will include supporting communications and outreach efforts that strengthen public awareness of USAO and Department of Justice (DOJ) priorities. This is a part-time opportunity in which we'll provide competitive pay, job stability and security.
Responsibilities

Develop media strategies aligned with USAO and DOJ priorities
Write and edit news releases for USAO priority programs and initiatives
Prepare public communications related to cases, achievements, results, and sentencing actions
Coordinate press conferences for USAO programs, cases, training, and community outreach efforts
Draft op-eds, articles, and other public-facing materials approved by USAO leadership
Identify speaking and appearance opportunities for USAO personnel
Respond to information requests from local and national media outlets
Address inquiries from community groups regarding USAO initiatives and programs
Maintain working relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts
Build relationships with community stakeholders and specialized interest groups
Monitor social media to support public awareness of USAO programs and achievements
Analyze USAO, EOUSA, and DOJ program materials for public communications use
Prepare written materials and press packets for media outreach and public messaging
Promote USAO programs, goals, objectives, accomplishments, and law enforcement partnerships
Evaluate the effectiveness of media strategies and public communications efforts
Compile weekly summaries of USAO media exposure and related public coverage
Participate in weekly planning sessions with office management and USAO personnel
Recommend press release and social media priorities based on upcoming events and case activity
Support public awareness of violent crime prevention, fraud prevention, and other USAO priorities
Publicize USAO partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
Apply DOJ, USAO, and media relations policies, procedures, and best practices
Perform related media relations and public affairs duties as assigned
Required Knowledge & Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and public-facing digital communications tools
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to support sensitive public messaging)
Strong knowledge of media relations principles, practices, procedures, and outreach methods
Knowledge of local Mississippi media outlets, communications channels, community stakeholders, public info networks
Knowledge of social media platforms and strategies used to educate public and promote program awareness
Ability to write news releases, fact sheets, articles, public information materials, and related media content
Ability to respond to media and community inquiries with professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate discretion
Ability to make responsible decisions on short notice and adapt to unexpected/shifting developments
Established presence within the USAO SDMS local community
Background

At least ten years of demonstrated experience in a similar position required
Valid driver's license and dependable vehicle required
Experience supporting media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism required
Experience working with local media outlets and community stakeholders required
Experience drafting press releases, public statements, articles, or outreach materials required
Experience coordinating press conferences, media events, or public outreach preferred
Experience supporting government, legal, public safety, or law enforcement communications preferred
Education

High school diploma required
Undergraduate degree preferred
Location

Jackson, MS 39201
Telework

N/A
Clearance

U.S. citizenship required as it supports the U.S. federal government
Must be able to complete a High Risk background investigation covering up to ten years of history
Client

Department of Justice (DOJ)
Travel

Local travel may be required
Work Hours

Part Time
Employment Classification

Employment Classification Eligibility — Exempt
Relocation

Not eligible for relocation benefits
****************** KMRG, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital or civil partnership status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, maternity status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic information, traits historically associated with race, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law. Other Considerations. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual's primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 100% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 100% of the time.