ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, MA

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION : Communications Specialist

JOB GOALS : The Communications Specialist performs a variety of duties in support of the Department of Communications and Family Engagement with respect to communications with the Arlington Public Schools community.

This person will be a resource to district administration and will be responsible for oversight of publicly-posted information on district and school websites and development of public-facing communications for the district.

This role will also work with the Director of Communications and Family Engagement to coordinate communications with Town departments and community organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, or equivalent required; Master’s degree in Communications or related field preferred.
• At least three years of communications experience. Experience with educational institutions preferred.
• Experience in website management, writing for public consumption, basic graphic design applications, and implementing communications plans.
• Experience building positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS :

• Experience writing for distribution to the press, public, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of effective communication tools, software, and strategies.
• Experience with maintaining a website to ensure attractiveness, clarity, completeness, and positive user experience.
• Ability to develop, sustain, and adapt communications routines, including newsletters, website articles, and others as needed.
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders including internal leadership and line staff, and community members.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with strong visual design skills.
• Strong technology skills, including experience with websites, social media, and messaging applications.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES :

The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Support implementation of district’s external and internal Communications Plan :
• Provide articles on current events and developments in the district for both internal and external audiences.
• Manage district social media presence.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent's Office to update the District calendar on the website.
• Manage outside contractors that prepare materials for distribution on websites and social media.
• Coordinate with Town departments and outside organizations for sharing information of interest to the school community.
• Prepare and distribute family and staff newsletters, superintendent’s updates, and other regular communications to the APS community.
• Support Human Resources Department with messaging in support of APS hiring.
• Act as a thought partner to the Director and Superintendent to increase communications effectiveness as strategies and tools evolve according to needs and capacities.
• Lead the development, training, and presentation of the district’s communications plan
• Management and training of staff on district communications tools and platforms
• Ensure at least quarterly communication to APS staff connecting ongoing initiatives and projects to accomplishment of mission and in service of vision.
• Develop and execute professional development for staff around effective communications.
• Complete special communications projects as assigned by the Director and / or Superintendent.
• Manages and supports district websites :
• Ensures the district website is attractive, user-friendly, up-to-date, and regularly reviewed for ensuring information shared is accurate, timely, and accessible to all community members.
• Collaborates with school leaders to ensure school websites are consistent with district standards and minimum requirements.
• Collaborates with the IT Department to ensure website structure supports needs of the district.
• Supports aspects of Family Welcome Center Operations :
• Supports with conducting needs assessment to understand family experience, concerns, and points of clarification
• Supports in data collection as pertaining to the the priorities of the department
• Creates and maintains training and promotional materials for students, staff and families,
• Supports in the creation of affinity groups and community conversations
• Supports in reporting data and feedback on family experiences and supports in planning immediate and long-term changes
• Creates, translates, and distributes additional resources for families
• Supports all aspects of district translation services (communication, training, and maintenance of external translation services), including managing translation / interpretation coordinator

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : Full year, Individual Contract

HOURS : Generally 8 : 00PM-4 : 00PM; hours may be adjusted to accommodate for early morning or late afternoon / evening work requirements as needed.

REPORTS TO : Director of Communications and Family Engagement

SALARY & BENEFITS : $75, to $90,

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences.

We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice.

We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Last updated : 2024-05-18