Public Affairs Assistant

Role
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

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement
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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr