Communications Specialist

Position Summary:


The School District of University City, a diverse and progressive district of 2,745 students in seven schools, is seeking a dynamic Communications Specialist to join a small, fast-paced and highly-creative Communications Team. (There are no direct reports for this position).

The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Communications and will serve as one of the district's storytellers, responsible for building relationships with stakeholders and media. The successful candidate must be a skilled writer, passionate about creating dynamic content for internal and external communications platforms, including social media. This person would ideally have experience in producing community engagement and special events, managing social media, updating web content, and graphic design.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS


In partnership with the Director of Communications. The Communications Specialist will have responsibility for office management and related functions. The Communications Specialist will be trained in all areas of Communications.

• Build relationships with school leaders and teams to learn about their unique offerings and gather facts to create news stories.
• Work with Communications Director to serve as liaison and provide agreed-upon support to University City Education Foundation, One U City, Alumni Association and other affiliated organizations as needed.
• Work with the Communications Director to serve as liaison for school/administrator requests through the work order system.
• In conjunction with the Communications Director, produce story pitches, press releases, news briefs and stories for both the website, superintendent's blog (monthly) and the District's PRIDE newspaper.
• Produce content for the District Website (Finalsite) including written and photographic content and regular upgrades in keeping with the District's branding and design standards. Update Department and Building Webpages as needed.
• Demonstrate excellent writing, editing and social media skills in developing strategic and informational social media content and schedule. Manage a master social media calendar of posts to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Monitor analytics and make necessary adjustments.
• Skilled in photography/videography, graphic design and digital programs as mentioned below (see Qualifications).
• Expected to learn and operate SchoolMessenger and Parent Square (beginning November 1st) broadcast system for email, voice and SMS notifications.
• Work with the Communications team to coordinate and manage District-wide events and provide support to school events. That includes ordering supplies, awards and certificates. (These are for major District-sponsored events, such as - Family Resource Event in May; Back-to-School Rally, August; Opening Day (teachers), Teacher of the Year, Honorees/Retirees annual event, Hall of Fame (every other year), etc.
• When needed, step in to oversee the videotaping and recognitions for Board Meetings.
• Manage all office duties such as ordering supplies, overseeing payments/requisitions/invoices, etc.
• Coordinate color copier supplies, service and manage school requests for fliers/programs, etc. (Deciding which to our source and which to do in-house.)
• In conjunction with the Communications Director, maintain team and District calendars.
• Support special projects as assigned by the Superintendent, District Chief of Staff, and Director of Communications.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field
• Efficient and responsive, possessing a strong work ethic with attention to detail
• Skilled in social media or interested in building skills and increasing engagement
• Graphic design skills and an eye for aesthetics
• Knowledge and utilization of AP Style and standards
• Public education-setting experience preferred, but not required
• Exceptional customer service and people skills
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends at District events
• Event planning and execution skills
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and willingness to multi-task
• Strong communications technology skills or interest in learning to use a variety of school communications platforms (i.e., Google Suite; Adobe Suite especially In-Design, Photoshop and Illustrator; Parent Square; Canva; Diligent, Zoom, Finalsite and others).
• Ability to work well with numerous stakeholders and leaders using strong interpersonal skills and confidentiality
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student voice

Candidates must provide three to five samples of their writing and design work for consideration. Samples should demonstrate a variety of capabilities and could include publicity campaigns, news articles, social media posts, graphic design, reports, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient vision to read printed material, see distant objects with clarity, and identify and distinguish objects
• Sufficient hearing to hear conversations in person and on the telephone, and hear sounds clearly up to 30 feet
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the telephone, and in addressing groups
• Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• This position requires standing, walking, sitting, bending and reaching for extended periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity and/or mobility to grasp and/or manipulate objects, operate mechanical equipment, and move about the work area
• This position will subject the employee to work environments that have exposure to weather or interiors with extremes of heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, high noise levels, and various work related hazards

EEO Statement:


The School District of University City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law.


Learn more about The School District of University City at