Communications Specialist

ANDERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE

Office of Human Resources 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

TITLE:  Communications Specialist

STATUS/FLSA: Full-time / Non-Exempt
PAY SCHEDULE/GROUP: Administrative District Level / Group 3
SUPERVISOR: Director of Communications

DIRECT REPORTS: Full-Time (0); Part-Time (0)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 240 Days (if employed for the full contract calendar). Salary determined by schedule set by the Board.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Communications.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist supports district-wide communications, marketing, and community engagement/outreach efforts. Assists in implementing communication strategies, managing digital communications, developing content, coordinating outreach initiatives, supporting district communication goals and priorities, and promoting the district's mission and vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Communications, district leadership, school administrators, anddepartment staff to coordinate and support communication efforts.
• Serves as district's primary social media manager - creating, scheduling, publishing, and monitoring contentacross district social media platforms.
• Serves as district photographer and provides comprehensive photography/video coverage of district events,school activities, employee and student recognition, special programs, etc.
• Develops written communications for news stories, press releases, website content, newsletters, social media,and other content sharing platforms that aligns with district brand and voice.
• Develops and maintains photo, video, graphic design, and multimedia content that supports districtcommunications and storytelling.
• Creates and manages content across district communication channels including websites, social media,electronic publications, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
• Provides support and resources for district marketing communications, including print and electronicpublications, collateral materials, presentations, annual reports, etc.
• Independently manages assigned communication projects (from development through implementation).
• Assists in planning and coordinating district events, employee and student recognitions, special programs, andcommunity outreach initiatives.
• Assists in coordinating media inquiries, interviews, and other public relations activities as needed.
• Represents district at community events, meetings, partnerships, etc. as assigned.
• Assists with coverage of district events occurring outside of normal business hours, including evenings andoccasional weekends, to support photography, social media, public relations, and community engagementefforts.
• Attends board meetings and assists with coordination and capturing of staff and student recognition.
• Keeps informed of current trends, technologies, and best practices in communications, public relations, socialmedia, marketing, and public education.
• Assists Director of Communications in fulfilling FOIA requests as needed.
• Assists with communication efforts during emergency situations and supports crisis communicationresponse as part of the district's crisis response team.
• Maintains confidentiality in all employee, student, and district matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Graphic Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field required. Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field preferred. Three or more years of combined experience in media, photographic functions, and graphic communications preferred. Experience in public education, nonprofit, or public-sector communications preferred.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional competencies necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in both written and verbal formats. Ability to write and edit a variety of communication materials including news releases, website content, newsletters, social media content, presentations, speeches, correspondence, and stakeholder communications. Ability to present information effectively to employees, students, families, community members, media representatives, and other stakeholders. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when communicating sensitive or confidential information.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and analyze communication-related data, metrics, and reports. Ability to interpret assessment data and apply basic concepts of statistical analysis, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and Adobe Acrobat. Proficiency in Google Workspace applications, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive. Demonstrated proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other equivalent graphic design software. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design, and produce professional-quality graphics and marketing materials. Experience with social media platforms, website management systems, digital publishing tools, and content management systems. Experience with photography, video editing, and multimedia production software preferred. Ability to learn and utilize emerging communication technologies, digital platforms, and content creation tools.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and make sound decisions in situations where limited information may be available. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and communication standards. Ability to prioritize tasks, quickly assess needs, and identify solutions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of district policies, procedures, and applicable regulations related to public education and communications. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate across diverse audiences. Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and respond effectively in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently while exercising sound professional judgment and maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Some extended hours required (occasional evenings and weekends). Multiple demands from several people are frequently required of the employee.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, and use hands/arms to operate technology and communication equipment. The position may require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee may be required to travel between district locations and attend events both indoors and outdoors. Frequent use of computers, cameras, and other communication technologies is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. The employee works in a variety of settings, including office environments, school campuses, district facilities, and community event locations. The position occasionally requires work outdoors and attendance at events during evenings and weekends. The noise level in the work environment varies depending on the setting and activity.

Salary : $56,947 - $91,438