DIRECTOR  OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS                                                                                                            04075

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (Exempt-PJC)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

            This is an administrative position involving responsibility for planning, directing, coordinating and participating in the activities and services of building and reinforcing harmonious relations between the Sheriff and all public, private and governmental agencies within Onondaga County.  The work involves direct contact with representatives and officers of community groups and agencies, local business and industry leaders and other governmental agencies as an agent of the Sheriff.  These contacts focus on efforts to increase the community’s understanding of the role of the Sheriff and his agency.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sheriff, with considerable latitude allowed for the exercise of independent judgement in the development of contacts with community leaders, the establishment of internal procedures and schedules and supervision and evaluation of staff.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Administers programs and services of the Sheriff Community Relations Division, to include analysis of community needs, development of program proposals, implementation of programs, delivery of services and evaluation of program and services effectiveness.

Confers with leaders from community groups and organizations, local business and industry and other government agencies to increase community understanding of the Sheriff’s role in public safety and security and maintains working relationships with these representatives.

Disseminates information to the public on behalf of the Sheriff, to maintain public relations.

Participates in civic and community organizations to promote understanding and harmonious relations with all members.

Confers with staff members to review status of assigned area of responsibility and to discuss programming and collect data relevant to specific programs.

Meets regularly with the Sheriff, Undersheriff and command staff members to discuss programs specific to each division.

Oversees the Sheriff’s Office awards committee.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the goals and objectives of the Sheriff.

Thorough knowledge of current trends, problems and developments in police/community relations.

Thorough knowledge of community groups and organizations and other government agencies that may be able to aid the Sheriff in meeting his goals and objectives, or in administering activities and programs.

Good knowledge of the techniques of program administration and community relations program delivery.

Good knowledge of public relations techniques.

Ability to understand, interpret and analyze written and quantitative information.

Ability to plan, organize, monitor and evaluate the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with volunteers, representatives from community groups and agencies, other governmental agencies and staff.

 Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Ability to exercise a high degree of tact and diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality when warranted.

SUGGESTED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of ten (10) years of full-time experience, or its part-time equivalent, working as a liaison between groups and organizations, five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity and five (5) years of full-time experience, or its part-time equivalent, experience in the field of public safety, three (3) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

01/2023 Date of Original Composition