Communications Specialist

Overview

One Agency. One Mission. Public Safety.

This position is within the Public Information Unit and will support strategic communication efforts for the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Responsibilities include writing news releases, responding to media requests, creating engaging social media content, assisting with website updates, and supporting internal and external events.

The Public Information Office is uniquely positioned to engage with every LCSO division and staff at all levels of the organization, requiring a candidate who is organized, relational, and calm under pressure. The ideal candidate is passionate about public safety, motivated to share the stories of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, and preferably brings relevant public safety experience.

This position is responsible for executing a department's communications strategy and creating tactics to promote awareness among targeted audiences. They will develop and implement communication strategies to inform audiences through the press, social media, website, community presentations and events, and other channels as appropriate. They will provide graphic design, curated content, consistency in voice, and cultivation of a communications strategy for the department.

The starting salary range for this position is $68,630 to $82,356.

Schedule

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with rotating on-call responsibilities that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. A hybrid schedule may be available after successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Important Information

Candidates must upload a resume, cover letter, and three (3) social media content samples to be considered. Samples may be submitted as digital files or live links. If you are unable to upload materials, please email them to Lenlie Millwood at millwole@co.larimer.co.us .

Responsibilities

Strategic Communication:

• Supports internal and external communication plans and strategies.
• Facilitates and coordinates communications activities, such as crisis/incident messaging, newsletters, public relations, community engagement, press releases, and other communication.
• Identifies critical communication needs and appropriate avenues and time frames for communication. May coordinate news conferences, radio, television, and print interviews.
• Responds to media/public inquiries by providing information directly or referring to appropriate staff person. This may include responding to incident scenes and field command posts.
• Acts as a liaison with members of the media and communication representatives from other agencies activities; participates in county wide meetings and activities.
• Supports staff or leaders in developing communication plans.
• Edits communications materials written by staff and ensures all communication adheres to Department/Office and County standards.
• Collects, measures, and analyzes communication data to include web traffic, acquisition, and conversion.
• Develops insights from employee or customer response to new and existing strategies and make recommendations for future changes to communication and media.
• Serves as a core member of the LCSO Joint Information Center team; serves as JIC PIO when the JIC is activated for a crisis.
  
  

Social Media

• Supports Department digital communication efforts and collaborates to develop a content strategy and plan.
• Develops and analyzes web and social media content.
• Ensures conformance with all policies, communication guidelines and brand standards.
  
  

Events/Engagement

• Facilitates and participates in outreach events and activities, such as the annual LCSO Citizens Academy.
• Assists staff with projects or programs.
  
  

Qualifications

Click here to view the full job description.

• Two (2) years of experience working with design programs, such as InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop required.
• Three (3) years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities required.
• Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field required. Related education or experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Possess reliable transportation to be able to work in any County facility and around the community as needed and required.
  
  

We encourage you to think about your unique background and skills before applying. People often underestimate how their experiences match up with a role’s needs. We encourage you to apply if you meet the minimum qualifications and believe your skills and perspective can add value to this position.

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Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.

Benefits

Larimer County offers the following for all Regular/Limited Term positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick and holidays.
  
  

Click here to view information on Larimer County's Benefits.

Supplemental Information

Hiring Process

• Online Application
• Pre-Employment Questionnaire
• Spark Hire Interview
• Oral Board Interview and Practical Exercise
• In-depth Background Investigation
• Polygraph Examination
• Leadership Interview
• Pre-Employment Medical and Drug Screen
• Sheriff Approval
  
  

The Sheriff’s Office prohibits posse ssion of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.

Applicants Must Meet All Of The Following

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Cannot have a felony conviction
• No convictions involving domestic violence
• No use of illegal drugs within the past five years
• For Current Sheriff's Office Employees*
  
  

In order to be considered, you must get a Letter of Support from your chain of command and submit the Letter of Support with your application by 11 :59 pm on April 13th, 2026. Please use the following process for your Letter of Support:

• Submit your Letter of Intent to your direct supervisor.
• Your direct supervisor will then write a Letter of Support and route that Letter of Support through your chain of command.
• Your next level supervisor/manager endorses your direct supervisor's Letter of Support.
• Your mid-level manager then endorses your Letter of Support.
• Your Division Commander then endorses your Letter of Support.
• Submit your Letter of Intent and fully endorsed Letter of Support along with your application.
  
  

Recruitment Contact

Email millwole@co.larimer.co.us or call (970) 619 4144.