Community Engagement & Open Records Coordinator

Community Engagement & Open Records Coordinator

The Community Relations & Engagement Coordinator plans, coordinates, and executes initiatives that strengthen relationships between the Camden County Sheriff's Office, its employees, and the community it serves. This role supports public safety outreach, community education, and internal morale initiatives that promote trust, transparency, and positive organizational culture. Working under the direction of the Public Information Division, the Coordinator supports both external engagement and internal communication efforts consistent with the Sheriff's vision and agency priorities.

Major duties include:

• Plan, organize, and implement community relations, outreach programs, and engagement initiatives that enhance public trust and community involvement.
• Coordinate and manage the Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy, including recruitment, scheduling, curriculum coordination, logistics, and graduation ceremonies.
• Represent the Sheriff's Office at community meetings, schools, nonprofit functions, civic events, and public forums.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, businesses, schools, civic groups, and faith-based organizations.
• Develop and distribute outreach and educational materials, presentations, and content in coordination with the Public Information Division.
• Maintain a comprehensive calendar of community events, programs, and engagement activities.
• Serve as a liaison between community members and Sheriff's Office leadership by gathering feedback, identifying concerns, and supporting appropriate follow-up.
• Assist with planning and executing the Sheriff's Office's participation in fairs, parades, festivals, and other public events.
• Support Public Information Division campaigns by coordinating community outreach and engagement components.
• Support internal employee engagement and morale initiatives, including recognition efforts, community-involved activities, and agency events.
• Encourage and facilitate employee participation in community outreach and engagement programs.
• Promote volunteer opportunities and assist with coordination of volunteer-based initiatives.
• Support and manage the Camden County Sheriff's Office Internship Program, including coordination, onboarding assistance, and program logistics.
• Prepare reports and summaries documenting community engagement activities, participation levels, and outcomes.
• Complete Open Records Tasks as needed.

Knowledge required by the position includes:

• Public relations and community outreach strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build positive relationships with diverse audiences.
• Event planning and project management skills.
• Familiarity with Sheriff's Office operations and public safety principles (preferred, but can be learned).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) is preferred.
• Ability to speak comfortably and confidently to groups of various sizes.
• Knowledge of public records laws and ethical standards. (preferred, but can be learned).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

The Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Public Information. Guidelines include GCIC and NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, training guidelines, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

The purpose of this position is to build and maintain positive relationships between the Sheriff's Office and the community through outreach, educational initiatives, and public events. The Coordinator works to enhance public trust, gather community feedback, and promote programs that support the agency's public safety goals.

The work environment includes:

• Office setting and community.
• Requires standing for extended periods, walking, lifting materials (up to 25 pounds), and occasional setup and breakdown of event displays.
• Some evening and weekend hours are required to attend or support community events.
• If employee is a POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer, an annual PT test will be required.

This position does not supervise other employees but may oversee volunteers or event support personnel during specific projects or events.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or some college coursework in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or related fields preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in community outreach, event planning, public relations, or a related field preferred.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an Open Records Certification through the GSA.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain GCIC/NCIC certification.