NEOGOV · 1 week ago
Police Department Director of Public Affairs (PS Information Officer IV)
FAIRFAX (EJ28), VA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$98K/yr - $163K/yr
7+ years expNEOGOV is seeking an experienced public safety information and media relations professional to serve as Director of Public Affairs. This role provides leadership and strategic guidance for the Department’s public affairs and external communications program, managing initiatives and advising department leadership on public affairs policies.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Lead and manage the Department’s public affairs program, including all external communications initiatives
Serve as the primary liaison to the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
Supervise and guide a communications team actively engaged in outreach through social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter/X, WordPress, and Instagram
Advise and consult with the Chief of Police, Assistant Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and other department leadership on public affairs policies, procedures, and messaging strategies
Serve as the Department’s principal advisor on media relations and public information matters
Coordinate and conduct training for department members on media relations and public affairs practices
Manage and coordinate community and media information releases to ensure accuracy, transparency, and public trust
Serves on 24-hour call, with responsibility for notifying County officials of significant incidents
Makes decisions under pressure and deadlines regarding information that may be released to the media
Coordinates and provides information regarding emergency incidents and other sensitive matters to the news media
Plans, directs, and executes publicity campaigns designed to inform citizens about various county programs, events or legislation
Supervises the work of subordinates engaged, in public information activities
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media
Responds to requests for information regarding agency/County programs
Provides assistance to agency/County staff as to the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, government employees, and other target groups
May interact directly with the Board of Supervisors and County Executive's Office on behalf of the department
Provides strategic communication leadership for the department/division
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations or related field or field of public safety specialization (fire, police, health, safety)
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in management and supervision, which includes 5 years as a media or communications professional or first responder communicator to include four years of social media experience
Valid driver's license
Knowledge of public safety area of expertise: fire and safety, police, public health, emergency management
Knowledge of the principles and methods of public affairs work
Ability to write clear, concise and effective informational material and skill in editing written material
Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the media regarding content, format, and timing of official releases
Broad knowledge of the principles of public administration and public relations as applied to public safety issues and local government operations
Ability to plan and execute photographic coverage of complex events
Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the County
Ability to plan and review the work of others
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, the press, and County employees
Ability to speak extemporaneously on a broad variety of County-related issues and occurrences
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with County government officials and representatives of the media
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the National Incident Management System
Preferred
Strong media or public safety communications relations knowledge combined with leadership and management experience
Experience implementing and sustaining social media platforms to engage with the community
Experience supervising a team of communicators and ability to manage and facilitate team processes and discussions
Experience in understanding both technical and business components of strategic communications including media relations, both day-to-day operations and during emergency situations
Project management experience
Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
Benefits
Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
Group Term Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
LiveWell Program
Flexible Spending Programs
Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
Paid Holidays
Contributory Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation
Employee Assistance Program
Employees' Child Care Center
Continuous Learning Opportunities
Commuter Benefits Accounts
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
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