Communication Specialist

Communication Specialist

This position is a specialist-level confidential role that provides communications support for the Director of Communications and the operation of the Superintendent's Office. This position also liaisons with the Human Resources department to provide background checks, verifications of employment, and other communications.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field
Excellent oral and written communication skills; bilingual preferred
Exemplary interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly with all stakeholders
Strong collaboration and partnership skills
Understanding of the principles of public relations and how to apply them with experience in the field preferred
Ability to understand and anticipate communication needs of a diverse community and take initiative to find creative and integrated solutions to meet them
Professional experience with website content management systems
Experience with social media in a professional setting
Advanced skills in current technologies used in communication
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Ability to manage multiple projects independently and work under deadlines
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
A demonstrated high level of accuracy, dependability, and organization
Must advocate, collaborate, empathize, innovate, adapt, learn, and embrace diversity
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Attends all Board of Education meetings; and transports/distributes necessary materials at meetings.
Act as liaison for communications to and from the Board; assist with written communications as required.
Assists with the preparation of written communication on behalf of the Superintendent.
Works with the Community Relations Coordinator to align the work of the department to the mission, vision and goals of the district
Updates or develops communication materials, including graphic design and photography, for slideshows, fliers, posters and publications
Exercises discretion and helps manage the district's social media accounts and other communication platforms
Assists with day-to-day management of the district website, ensuring content is current, accurate and visually appealing
Reviews and updates communications to ensure adherence to brand guidelines
Creates social media content for district social media accounts
Serves as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer
Liaisons with the Human Resources Lead or designee to process verification requests, background checks, and other confidential HR related tasks
Assists with Communications from the Superintendent's office
Tracks and manages various elements of the District and Superintendent Communications
Is available during off hours, when needed, to post to website, update social media or send e-mail/text communications
Stays current with the best practices of the school public relations profession
Assists in the preparation of communication strategies regarding negotiations with the various labor groups
Responds to requests from Cabinet and Principals for communication advice
Knowledge and Skills:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as correspondence, surveys and electronic media.
Ability to write professional communications.
Ability to present information effectively and to respond to questions from individuals and groups
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community members
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to maintain current job skills as directed, especially in technology-related activities
Ability to perform essential duties with an awareness of school district requirements and School Board policies
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, operate duplicating machines and computer equipment; reach with hands and arms; and will frequently repeat actions with the same hand, arm, or finger motion such as when typing.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of video display terminals (VDT) is required.
The employee may occasionally lift up to 30 pounds such as reference books.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The pace of work tasks would be considered as fast.
Work is usually conducted at one job site, however, on occasion, this employee will be required to attend meetings, conferences, or workshops and events at other sites as assigned.