Communications Specialist

POSITION: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

 IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Communications Director

EMPLOYMENT TERM: 240 Days

SALARY:  $40,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience and education level.

EVALUATION: MSESC Executive Director

JOB SUMMARY: To support and assist in managing all aspects of the district’s internal and external communications. Individual will assist with communications. Individual will promote a positive public image and support in dissemination of information on the behalf of school districts.

 PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

           Assists the Communications Director to create effective and timely two-way communications to internal and external stakeholders through a variety of communication vehicles.

  • Promotes and publicizes district news through district communication platforms and area media outlets, to highlight students and convey important district information.
  • Assists and supports in executing short, medium and long-range communications plans and strategies to ensure that department and district organizational objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
  • Assists in analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of communication and proposes innovative communication approaches that enhance the district’s ability to engage diverse internal and external audiences in a cost-effective manner.
  • Initiates and manages new communication initiatives that will support transparency and better inform key audiences of district news, including but not limited to: district newsletter, levy updates, construction updates, staff profiles, alumni profiles, new programming and training sessions.
  • Assists in managing district social media and other communication platforms, ensuring content is up-to-date, accurate and visually appealing.
  • Takes photos and videos for use with print and digital publications and platforms.
  • Monitors media and social media and responds as appropriate.
  • Assists in managing an annual editorial calendar.
  • Updates or develops communication materials including fact sheets and other publications.
  • Assists the Communications Director with events.
  • Is available during off hours, when needed, to attend events, respond to emergency events, post to website, update social media or send SchoolMessenger communications.
  • Attends Board of Education meetings when Communications Director cannot attend or when needed.
  • Assists in providing emergency communication support including content, assistance with rapid notification, social media and web updates and other support as needed.
  • Provides support to district staff as needed related to communication and the use of communication technology.
  • Keeps current with best practices in communication and public relations.
  • Assures compliance with applicable laws, regulations and district policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties assigned by the Director of Communications and MSESC Executive Director

 QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in communications-related field or proven experience in communications, marketing, tv, radio, or non-linear editing.
4-6 years of communications work experience preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and public relations skills.
Experience in social media and basic design functions (Canva, photo editing) preferred.
Ability to manage multiple projects independently and work under deadlines.
Ability to lead and initiate communication and work closely and effectively with other departments, administrators, employees, students and the public.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong commitment to and alignment with our mission, positive culture and public education in general.
Comfortable working with students.
Graphic design experience preferred.

 

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to work without direct supervision.
  • Ability to identify problems and evaluate solutions.
  • Goal oriented.
  • Ability to initiate and accept change.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, on a wide range of issues.
  • Ability to initiate directives.
  • Ability to envision and accomplish long–range plans and goals.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  This job requires the ability to take photos and videos inside and outside our buildings. This would require the ability to carry the equipment, and bend or stand as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers. The job also includes visits to schools and interaction with staff and students.

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Resume Must Include:

List of educational institutions attended, course of study, dates attended, and certificates earned.
List of employers for the past ten years, including address and name of immediate supervisor(s).
Description of responsibilities/work experiences in previous employment.
Alignment of work experience with posted Job Description.
List of at least three (3) references including addresses and telephone numbers.

Send Application & Resume:

Ms. Jan Hanlon, Executive Director
Mountain State ESC
501 22nd Street
Dunbar, WV 25064

or download the region’s application and submit via email to rcbias@k12.wv.us  

 Mountain State ESC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or age.

EXPECTATIONS:

  1. Work effectively as a member of a team.
  2. Demonstrate self-control and exhibit an attitude of mutual respect with colleagues .
  3. Exhibit ethical behavior and demonstrate good work habits, including punctuality and attendance.
  4. Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively
  5. Maintain confidentiality.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Recommended by the MSESC Executive Director

Confirmed by the MSESC Governing Council

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a will and pleasure employee of the Mountain State ESC. Continuation of the position is dependent upon funding, enrollment and program performance.