Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Provides technical, standard professional and specialized support to a variety of Communications activities and functions.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as project manager for the website; scopes and sequences the various phases of the website roll out and continued maintenance.
• Oversees the digital footprint and online reputation for the District; including search engine optimization, Google rankings, and online rankings; optimizes digital systems and processes for improved user experience; shapes user experience across all digital touchpoints.
• Provides training and user support to District staff on website use and branding guidelines; oversees all website contributors; supports new development initiatives and web form logic.
• Researches and implements new website enhancements, layouts, and plugins that improve functionality or communication.
• Manages and builds forms to collect data; assists in data extraction.
• Gathers story ideas, writes, edits, and proofreads content for a variety of mediums.
• Takes photos & videos during special events at the schools; maintains photo file.
• Manages social media channels and websites, developing content and maintaining regular activity.
• Plans & implements social media editorial calendar for District social media channels.
• Aligns communications & public relations efforts with District goals & key messages.
• Maintains editorial and branding policies, procedures, and standards.
• Develops and edits graphics for print and web.
• Designs promotional materials such as brochures and postcards.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Livestream and record all School Board business & study session meetings, and post to the district website and YouTube channel.
• Publicize and manage on-site coordination for marketing events.
• Ability to travel and work some evening and weekend hours as required during school board meetings and other district events.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field is preferred. OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. Valid Driver's License Required.

Knowledge: Web technologies and concepts; search engines, landing page design, and optimization, tools and trends. Principles and practices of public relations, marketing, journalism, and public communications. Most current digital/online communications tools. Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication. Principles and techniques of making effective oral presentations. Computer applications related to the work. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Required Skills: Analyzing problems and developing effective solutions. Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Preparing advertising and creative media information for diverse audiences. Operating a personal computer using standard, and specialized software. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities. Commitment to the District mission, which is to inspire and empower each student to reach their full potential. Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District's established priorities.

Physical/Mental Requirements: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Working environment: Work is performed in an office setting.