Acts as a public-facing advocate on internet safety for children on behalf of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Develops and disseminates on behalf of the Office, best practices on how parents can protect their children while online, including traditional internet, smart phone apps or video gaming. Creates and maintains partnerships with external organizations, leaders and other parent advocates in the field. Stays current on new and existing internet threats and offers potential solutions to guide the Office’s work to protect youth and children from internet-based predators/scammers.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Solidifies the Cook County Sheriff’s Office as a reliable source for information on internet crimes against children and how parents can help protect their children.
Establishes concrete information on what games and apps are appropriate for children, how parents can set controls to protect their children (and the limits of those controls) and other specific best practices and actions parents can take.
Creates and presents educational content to schools, parent groups, etc., both in person and through online platforms.
Helps develop policy to address shortcomings in internet safety, including federal legislative changes and strong Office advocacy within the industry.
Liaison to Cook County residents, organizations, community stakeholders, public officials, and other parties on issues and solutions related to internet safety for children.
Researches, vets and meets with new and existing internet safety organizations to create partnerships, grow resources and generate new ideas for action in this area.
Collaborates with and assists Cook County Sheriff’s Police, Department of Public Policy, Communications and Executive Office staff with all issues related to internet safety and protecting children from online threats.
Responsible for advancing the Sheriff’s Policy Agenda; implements policy and communications strategies to effectuate the Sheriff’s Office’s vision and mission.
Develops and maintains confidential reports as requested by the Director of Public Policy and/or Chief Public Affairs Officer.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Established knowledge and credibility in the field of internet safety for children.
Excellent verbal communication skills, including experience in effective public speaking.
Ability to communicate (written and oral) effectively with staff and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and deliver educational content while also supporting broader system-based solutions, including legislative proposals.
Ability to work with victims (specifically victims of internet crimes) in a professional and effective manner.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to create and write reports.
Ability to manage and adhere to strict deadlines, with regards to project implementation and time management.
Ability to develop a working knowledge of the operations of the Sheriff’s office as well as other public safety stakeholder operations.
Ability to work with diverse groups to achieve consensus.
Skilled in Microsoft Office.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in relation to specific duties and area of assignment; supplemented by two (2) years professional work experience of a relevant nature; OR, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience pursuant to acquiring the knowledge, skills and other proficiencies indicated herein.
Experience and knowledge in best practices to keep children and youth safe from internet predators.