POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Senior Public
Information Specialist is responsible for the overall daily support of the
Office of Communications and Community Engagement.
The incumbent is responsibility for a wide variety of projects such as
assisting with media relations, providing executive-level communications
support, responding directly to requests for information and sharing the school
system’s story across various communications channels. The Senior Public Information Specialist is
also responsible for public contact and skillful handling of queries from the
media, employees and other stakeholders.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Drafts media advisories/news releases, blogs, speeches and
articles/op-eds and disseminate information as assigned;
Responds to requests for information
from the media and build relationships with reporters;
Provides executive staffing at
public engagement events;
Collaborates with school-level and
school system staff to identify, publicize and promote key initiatives, student
and staff successes, and other school system news; and
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Considerable knowledge of public
education, news media, coordinating and implementing community outreach
activities, public relations campaigns and programs or similar activities;
Must possess considerable knowledge
of the school system’s organization, policies, regulations, and an ability to
exercise tact and sound judgment;
Excellent verbal,
written and interpersonal skills;
Strong and thorough editing skills;
Ability to communicate effectively
with diverse audiences through various communication mechanisms;
Ability to utilize digital marketing
tools, including social media, email marketing and content management systems;
Ability to manage multiple projects
with strict deadlines;
Ability to work successfully in a
team environment;
Ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationship; and
Oral, reading and written fluency in English required; other
commonly spoken language(s) preferred.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Journalism or related field required. A minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience, preferably in school public relations.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
None Required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.