Job Description – Communications Specialist II
Primary Function: Under the direction of the Executive Director of Communications & Community Relations, assists with the research, planning, communication, and evaluation of public relations objectives to positively impact student learning and achievement. Promotes positive public relations between the school district and the community by preparing and distributing information about the district and its goals, policies, and activities to internal and external stakeholders. Supports district initiatives through effective and efficient communications, relationship management, and creative development.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs and initiates activities to meet those needs
- Takes photographs for district website, social media platforms, publications, presentations, displays, etc.
- Coordinates campus and department-level event coverage, including photography/videography
- Assists campuses and departments with event promotion
- Provides training on photography, videography, and social media platforms
- Assists with social media initiatives to include content creation, publication, and promotion
- Assists with maintaining, monitoring, and analyzing engagement of social media platforms
- Assists with content creation, development, and promotion of district podcasts
- Assists with planning and development of content for use in district publications including brochures, invitations, media kits, newsletters, programs, and other materials as needed
- Develops materials for presentations and special events
- Creates original digital artwork and graphic layout to support and enhance district publications and projects
- Develops scripts and performs field videography and editing
- Maintains district assets including cameras, lights, accessories and other studio/field equipment
- Supports the district’s Standard Response Protocol and emergency/crisis communication efforts; assists administration as needed, including during non-traditional work hours
- Assist with responding to routine inquiries; refers appropriate inquiries to the Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations
- Keeps informed of developing public relations trends and techniques
- Assists with Web/Multimedia Specialist duties as needed
Other:
- Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible
- Maintains confidentiality
- Serves as a role model for all district staff
- Participates in approved professional development opportunities
- Performs other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Oral and written communication skills
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Customer service skills
- Methods of collecting and organizing data and information
- Operation of a computer, camera, production equipment, and assigned software
- Communication theory and techniques
- Social media trends and strategy, content development, and implementation
- District and department policies and procedures
- Relevant federal and state laws and requirements
Ability to:
- Work independently with little direction
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Maintain regular and consistent attendance
- Develop, plan and organize daily operations
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Interpret policy, procedures and data
- Meet schedules and timelines
- Plan and organize work
- Conceptualize, write, edit, take photographs, and produce audio/video content
Education/Licenses/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree; minimum three years of professional writing, editing, graphics design/desktop publishing, videography/broadcast production, and/or social media strategy and content development, preferably in a public education environment.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands: Self-motivated, perform tasks with little or no supervision; work with frequent interruptions; able to manage multiple complex projects concurrently; maintain emotional control under stress; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); coordinate district support functions.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Lifting/carrying – 15-44 pounds; frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping/crouching/kneeling, pulling/pushing, reaching; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; speaking clearly; occasional district-wide, state-wide travel; work occasional irregular hours and prolonged hours.
Calendar and Salary Range: 225 work days. See current hiring pay grade on the Specialist/ Support Compensation Plan.
Revised: 8/7/23
The foregoing statements describe the general function and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.