Stafford County, VA
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Stafford County, VA, Stafford, Virginia, United States, 22554
Salary:
See Position Description Location :
Stafford County, VA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
03934 Department:
Sheriff Opening Date:
10/03/2025 Starting Salary:
See Position Description
Job Description Public Information Officer (PIO)
Hiring Range $66,393 - $91,291 per year
Prior related experience and internal equity factors will be considered when determining
the final salary offered to the selected candidate.
Required: Please click to view a list of automatic disqualifiers for this position
Position Overview The Public Information Officer serves as the primary spokesperson and media liaison for the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. This position is responsible for communicating timely, accurate, and transparent information to the public, media outlets, and community stakeholders while safeguarding sensitive investigations and departmental integrity. Examples of Duties Essential Functions Serves as the official spokesperson for the agency during routine operations, critical incidents, and major events. Drafts and distributes press releases, statements, and social media updates in a timely and professional manner. Plans and conducts press conferences, interviews, and public briefings. Maintains positive working relationships with media representatives, community leaders, and partner agencies. Develops and implements communication strategies to enhance public trust and understanding of agency operations. Monitors and responds to media inquiries and public concerns, ensuring accurate and consistent messaging. Oversees Sheriff's Office social media platforms, ensuring content is factual, engaging, and compliant with legal/privacy guidelines. Provides media training and communication guidance to command staff and personnel. Assists in crisis management by delivering clear, calming, and informative messaging during emergencies. Ensures compliance with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), privacy laws, and departmental policies. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Exceptional Communication Skills: Clear and confident in writing, public speaking, and media engagement. Integrity & Professionalism: Maintains credibility and public trust while safeguarding sensitive information. Calm Under Pressure: Performs effectively during high-stress incidents and critical events. Strong Judgment & Discretion: Balances transparency with operational security and legal considerations. Crisis Communication Expertise: Capable of rapid, accurate messaging during unfolding incidents. Relationship Builder: Skilled at developing partnerships with media outlets, community members, and internal staff. Social Media Proficiency: Knowledgeable in managing digital platforms and monitoring online engagement. Strategic Thinker: Anticipates public perception and media impact when crafting messages. Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Background in public relations, journalism, law enforcement, or communications. Familiarity with photography, video production, or graphic design for multimedia outreach. Knowledge of local government operations and law enforcement procedures.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, or a related field, and 4 years of experience preferably working with communication or public relations in the public sector or with a local government. Special Requirements
Due to the 24/7 nature of critical/emergent public safety events this position requires the ability to respond after hours as needed.
Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The selected candidate must successfully complete interview, polygraph examination, full background investigation to include a criminal history check, pre-employment alcohol & controlled substance testing. Please for our full-time benefits.
Note: All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Information must be presented at time of hire.
Proper Identification must be shown at time of hire in order to complete the necessary paperwork for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. 01
I have read, understand and acknowledge the following reasons may cause me to fail the application process: Dishonesty- omitting or failing to disclose anything on paperwork or verbally will always cause a disqualification Attention to Detail- not fully completing paperwork or caring about personal appearance Not Meeting Obligations - arriving late or forgetting appointments Lack of Soft Skills - Unable to shake hands, make eye contact, or finish a sentence
Yes No
02
Have you previously applied with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office?
Yes No
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
04
Since the age of 18, have you ever been convicted of a crime to include any traffic offenses? (A conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from employment. Rather such factors as age and date of conviction, seriousness and nature of the crime, and rehabilitation will be considered). If yes, please explain and provide date/timeframe of occurrence). 05
How did you hear about this position?
Sheriff's Office Website Stafford County Website Referral Job/Career Fair College Career Center Advertisement (i.e. Indeed) VEC Social Media (i.e. Facebook) Recruiter Family Friend Other
06
If you were referred by an employee of the Sheriff's Office or Stafford County please provide the name of that individual: Required Question
See Position Description Location :
Stafford County, VA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
03934 Department:
Sheriff Opening Date:
10/03/2025 Starting Salary:
See Position Description
Job Description Public Information Officer (PIO)
Hiring Range $66,393 - $91,291 per year
Prior related experience and internal equity factors will be considered when determining
the final salary offered to the selected candidate.
Required: Please click to view a list of automatic disqualifiers for this position
Position Overview The Public Information Officer serves as the primary spokesperson and media liaison for the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. This position is responsible for communicating timely, accurate, and transparent information to the public, media outlets, and community stakeholders while safeguarding sensitive investigations and departmental integrity. Examples of Duties Essential Functions Serves as the official spokesperson for the agency during routine operations, critical incidents, and major events. Drafts and distributes press releases, statements, and social media updates in a timely and professional manner. Plans and conducts press conferences, interviews, and public briefings. Maintains positive working relationships with media representatives, community leaders, and partner agencies. Develops and implements communication strategies to enhance public trust and understanding of agency operations. Monitors and responds to media inquiries and public concerns, ensuring accurate and consistent messaging. Oversees Sheriff's Office social media platforms, ensuring content is factual, engaging, and compliant with legal/privacy guidelines. Provides media training and communication guidance to command staff and personnel. Assists in crisis management by delivering clear, calming, and informative messaging during emergencies. Ensures compliance with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), privacy laws, and departmental policies. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Exceptional Communication Skills: Clear and confident in writing, public speaking, and media engagement. Integrity & Professionalism: Maintains credibility and public trust while safeguarding sensitive information. Calm Under Pressure: Performs effectively during high-stress incidents and critical events. Strong Judgment & Discretion: Balances transparency with operational security and legal considerations. Crisis Communication Expertise: Capable of rapid, accurate messaging during unfolding incidents. Relationship Builder: Skilled at developing partnerships with media outlets, community members, and internal staff. Social Media Proficiency: Knowledgeable in managing digital platforms and monitoring online engagement. Strategic Thinker: Anticipates public perception and media impact when crafting messages. Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Background in public relations, journalism, law enforcement, or communications. Familiarity with photography, video production, or graphic design for multimedia outreach. Knowledge of local government operations and law enforcement procedures.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, or a related field, and 4 years of experience preferably working with communication or public relations in the public sector or with a local government. Special Requirements
Due to the 24/7 nature of critical/emergent public safety events this position requires the ability to respond after hours as needed.
Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The selected candidate must successfully complete interview, polygraph examination, full background investigation to include a criminal history check, pre-employment alcohol & controlled substance testing. Please for our full-time benefits.
Note: All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Information must be presented at time of hire.
Proper Identification must be shown at time of hire in order to complete the necessary paperwork for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. 01
I have read, understand and acknowledge the following reasons may cause me to fail the application process: Dishonesty- omitting or failing to disclose anything on paperwork or verbally will always cause a disqualification Attention to Detail- not fully completing paperwork or caring about personal appearance Not Meeting Obligations - arriving late or forgetting appointments Lack of Soft Skills - Unable to shake hands, make eye contact, or finish a sentence
Yes No
02
Have you previously applied with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office?
Yes No
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes No
04
Since the age of 18, have you ever been convicted of a crime to include any traffic offenses? (A conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from employment. Rather such factors as age and date of conviction, seriousness and nature of the crime, and rehabilitation will be considered). If yes, please explain and provide date/timeframe of occurrence). 05
How did you hear about this position?
Sheriff's Office Website Stafford County Website Referral Job/Career Fair College Career Center Advertisement (i.e. Indeed) VEC Social Media (i.e. Facebook) Recruiter Family Friend Other
06
If you were referred by an employee of the Sheriff's Office or Stafford County please provide the name of that individual: Required Question