Media Relations Specialist – Attorneys Office; Part-time, Hybrid, Jackson, MS

Media Relations Specialist United States Attorney's Office (Part-time, Hybrid, Jackson, MS)

We are looking for a Media Relations Specialist to support the United States Attorney's Office (USAO). The focus of this role is to devise and execute a strategy to effectively use radio, television, print and social media to educate the community of United States Attorney's Office (USAO) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiatives to prevent and combat violent crime, invest in prevention and intervention programs, combat fraud on the government, and other criminal and civil priorities of the USAO and the Department.

By publicizing the efforts of the USAO and the priority programs of the Department (such as Project Safe Neighborhoods), this role will play a critical role in deterring criminal conduct and raising public awareness of the types of criminal and fraudulent activities in the community.

This is a 5-year, mostly remote contract role. Approximately 30 hours/week of work will be required. Regular work hours will be flexible. However, it is expected that the contractor be available on an as-needed basis, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Occasional travel may be needed for meetings at the United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Mississippi or other locations as needed.

This is a W2 role with Stage 4 Solutions. Health benefits and 401K are offered.

• Plans, writes, scripts and coordinates news releases and press conferences on USAO priority programs, training, and community outreach effort, USAO cases, achievements and results, to include indictments, change of pleas, convictions and sentencings.
• Drafts and places op‑ed and other articles approved by the United States Attorney, designed to educate the public on USAO programs, goals, objectives and achievements.
• Identifies and facilitates appearance and speaking opportunities for USAO personnel to raise awareness of USAO programs, mission, goals, objectives and achievements.
• Responds to information requests from local and national news media and community groups on significant USAO program initiatives in written and oral form, which may require detailed explanations of negative comments regarding a particular USAO program or USAO performance in a particular situation.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the local and national news media and other specialized groups interested in the USAO programs.
• Monitors social media to effectively publicize USAO programs and achievements and the programs and achievements of local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
• Analyzes USAO, EOUSA, and Department of Justice program materials and facilitates delivery of such program information to affected individuals and groups.
• Prepares written materials and press packets to facilitate use of media to deliver messaging desired by USAO.
• Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the media strategy in achieving greater understanding of the USAO's mission, goals, objectives and achievements.
• Digests USAO media exposure on a weekly basis.
• Participates in weekly planning sessions with members of office management to discuss upcoming media events and advises on which press releases and social media posts should be prioritized.

• 10+ years of experience in a media relations position
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications
• Possess professional relationships with contacts within radio, print and television media outlets throughout the district, state and nation. Must have experience supporting media relations activities in the local market and demonstrate the ability to effectively engage with local media representatives and community partners.
• Experience developing new information materials, including news releases, fact sheets, and articles for publication in appropriate printed media.
• Experience with social media platforms
• Knowledge of local court rules, legal documents, processes, and procedures sufficient to present legal information and facts that are readily verifiable for use in news releases, fact sheets, articles for publication and social media.
• Knowledge of the…