DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Position in the Communications & Engagement department at Columbus City Schools.
Email: talentacquisition@columbus.k12.oh.us
Location: 270 EAST STATE ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Reports to: Chief Officer of Communications
FLSA Status: Exempt
Starting Salary: $80,392
About Us

At Columbus City Schools, we strive to make sure each student is highly-educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community - but we can't do it without you! As an award-winning school district in the award-winning city of Columbus, Ohio, we are proud of the work our more than 9,000 employees (including teachers, coaches, and administrators) do every day to change the lives of our students. With more than 46,000 students located in over 100 different schools around the city of Columbus, we know there's a position that's right for you.
Position Overview

The Digital Communications Specialist will strengthen the District’s digital presence across its website, social media platforms, video production, photography, radio, and podcasts. As a member of the Communications team, this role serves as a strategic content creator, showcasing the District’s achievements through engaging written and digital storytelling — from classroom instruction to staff and student accomplishments.
Essential Duties

Support District communication initiatives involving internal and external audiences, including community relations, marketing, and public relations efforts.
Maintain and update the District websites and support oversight of digital content across 100+ schools, departments, and programs.
Develop and manage the District’s social media strategy, including creating engaging written, photo, and video content and supporting schools with their social media efforts. Provides social media analytics, as requested, for leadership and the Board of Education.
Lead digital communication campaigns and projects that highlight innovative educational initiatives, student achievement, and staff accomplishments.
Plan, produce, and edit multimedia content, including videos, photography, graphics, podcasts, webinars, and other digital assets.
Ensure consistent application of District branding standards across digital and print communications; provide guidance on the appropriate use of brand, video, and photography assets.
Research and implement emerging communication technologies and best practices to enhance engagement with students, families, staff, and the community.
Design, write, and edit District publications and communication materials, including newsletters, brochures, feature stories, news releases, annual reports, presentations, and other documents as needed.
Collaborate with Communications team members and District staff to support employee communications, crisis communication, training materials, presentations, and strategic communication plans.
Monitor communication and public relations trends to support continuous improvement of District outreach and engagement efforts.
Maintain effective relationships with community organizations, media representatives, and stakeholders by responding promptly to requests for public information.
Communicate effectively with diverse audiences through in-person interactions, phone, and digital communication platforms.
Utilize communication and design platforms, including Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, Finalsite, Blackboard, and Parentlink, to support successful project completion.
Apply advanced computer and technical skills, including graphic design, desktop publishing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), website management, database management, spreadsheets, and social media analytics.
Provides training and technical support for CCS staff at Schools on mix of digital platforms.
Support District events, special programs, town halls, and other community engagement activities as needed.
Required Minimum Qualifications

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree with significant coursework (24 quarter hours or 16 semester hours) in digital production, photography and video production and editing, digital marketing, public relations and/or strategic communications.
Experience

Three (3) years of experience facilitating communications initiatives for a school system, non-profit organization or comparable institution.
Experience creating engaging social media content, as well as plan and manage short-term and long-term social media campaigns.
Experience producing and distributing electronic publications in various formats, including interactive PDF files and e-newsletters.
Experience using a browser-based Content Management System to create and update website content.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

Knowledge of AP style
Knowledge and understanding of public education goals and objectives.
Skills

Excellent written and verbal skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Products and Google Drive.
Strong video production and editing skills, photography skills and basic graphic design skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with an ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Abilities

Ability to use traditional, current, advanced and emerging communication and technology tools.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision as well as in a team setting.
Adaptability—ability to adjust to change and willingness to learn.
Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability.

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