In the fall of 2017, JCPS, in partnership with KentuckianaWorks and Greater Louisville Inc., launched the Academies of Louisville, a transformative public education model that aligns high school career pathways with a wide spectrum of career opportunities.Now in its 7th year of implementation, the Academies of Louisville are making a positive impact on more than 18,000 students who attend 15 of JCPS’s comprehensive high schools that have established a variety of career academies designed to prepare college- and career-ready graduates. All of this work is supported by 200 business and community partners that are committed to providing students hands-on learning opportunities and real-world work experiences that prepare them for life after high school.

The Academies of Louisville’s Guiding Team, an advisory board composed of business and community leaders and JCPS officials, has set a key goal of increasing awareness of the Academies of Louisville among elected officials, businesses, and the community.

KentuckianaWorks, the Academies of Louisville’s key coordinating organization, is seeking a Communications Coordinator who will lead strategic communications and marketing efforts that will increase awareness and public perception of the Academies of Louisville. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and dynamic communications, marketing, and public relations strategy for the Academies that supports Guiding Team goals and objectives. The Communications Coordinator must have excellent communications abilities and community relations skills to be able to work professionally and tactfully with various stakeholder groups.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the JCPS Communications Team and the Academies Leadership Team to develop and execute a strategic communications plan, including specific content themes and post schedule, to build the Academies brand and image, connect with key audiences, and garner additional support from local stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the JCPS Communications Team to build and scope a sequence of potential media stories recognizing success in the Academies and spotlighting student achievement and positive employer activities and outcomes. (*All media pitches, requests and interviews will need to go through JCPS first.)
• Review JCPS’s social media audit to identify social media channels being used by schools and develop a strategic social media plan with content themes and potential posts based on findings.
• Present and manage a strong social media presence that furthers the Academies brand and strengthens digital connections with families, businesses, and the public at large.
• Be knowledgeable about Academies’ classroom activities, field trips and events in order to take photos, collect documentation, and capture content to create external communications, engage the media and build engagement with all Academies’ audiences.
• Work with our Academies business partners to identify and implement crossover promotional opportunities.
• Produce a monthly digital newsletter for Academies business partners that highlights successes and best practices of business partners to spark innovation and replication across the business partner community.
• Work in conjunction with key partners to develop Academies best practice materials.
• Create, proofread, and publish regular written and visual content as needed.
• Be an active participant in planning, preparing for and presenting at Guiding Team, Executive Committee, and Communications Subcommittee meetings as needed.
• Conduct social media, photo/video or messaging training for school-level staff as needed.
• Help with planning and logistics for Ford NGL Learning Hub events.

Leadership and Accountability

• Establish a system for tracking and reporting on key communications metrics.
• Coordinate with the JCPS Communications Team to ensure brand alignment, integrity, and communications standardization.
• Work closely with the Academies leadership team and the JCPS Communications Team to ensure communication captures the mission and brand of the Academies.
• Ensure communication efforts reflect and emphasize KentuckianaWorks’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through consistent application of anti-bias, anti-racist, and culturally competent lenses.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior, including confidentiality with sensitive information and data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field
• 3 years of experience in communications, branding, marketing, and/or public relations
• Proficient in MS Office, Google Drive, and video conferencing platforms such as Zoom
• Possesses skills to navigate various social media platforms, design software (like Canva), email marketing (Constant Contact) and websites
• Event planning and execution
• Commitment to excellence and passion for the mission of KentuckianaWorks and the JCPS Academies of Louisville.

Competencies:

• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders within and outside of KentuckianaWorks.
• Ability to think creatively and generate innovative ideas for campaigns, content, and strategies.
• Self-starter with the ability to work individually and in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments/responsibilities.
• Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Commitment to maintaining an awareness of best practices.
• Flexible and proactive in taking on assignments and responsibilities, and willingness to learn.
• Since this is a new position, candidates should have an entrepreneurial spirit and be excited about building this position from day one.
• Comes to work with a “can do” attitude.
• Has an understanding that this job profile is not intended to be all inclusive of tasks required. It is meant to provide a general description of essential job responsibilities.

Requirement:

Must have valid driver’s license, a reliable personal vehicle, and auto liability insurance to fulfill duties

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience to resumes@kentuckianaworks.org by May 1, 2024.

* This position is grant-funded for a duration of three years. While we are committed to seeking additional funding to sustain this role beyond the initial period, it's important to note that employment beyond the three-year mark is contingent upon successful fundraising efforts.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Louisville, KY 40202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Louisville, KY 40202