Specialist: Communications Outreach

Position SummaryTitle Code

Specialist: Communications Outreach

Job Summary

Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Director, Communications, in a variety of professional level tasks relating to the functions and services of the Communications Office of the school system. With a concentration in enhancing outreach to and relationships with communities whose primary language is not English, work involves formulation and execution of communications plans for a variety of projects; gathering and collating pertinent information for publications, media releases, social media postings, and other communications materials; composing and editing materials; contacting and working closely with administrative staff (both school-based and central/satellite office-based) and subordinate employees, and preparing a variety of periodic or special reports, letters, publications, exhibits, and other communications documents and materials. Requires direct contact and interface with external organizations, community and civic representatives, school system employees, student families, and the general public.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Gathers and collects pertinent information and materials for publications, and media releases including print, broadcast, cable, and social media, and performs routine internet-based research on current educational issues.
• Contacts and works closely with school-based and Central Office administrators, supervisors, faculty, and other staff members to obtain information on current events, activities, programs, and other topics of general interest to the public.
• Proofreads and edits public information materials as requested to assure proper journalistic style and professional editing; whenever necessary, rewrites publications to achieve clear, concise, and effective communications and submits them for final review prior to issuing.
• Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Director, Communications with the development of public information programs and activities directed toward communities whose primary language is not English, designed to obtain increased understanding and support of public information programs and to promote positive Central Office/school/community relations. Participates in local school, community, and county government events both as a representative of the Communications Division and to learn about the school system and the community it serves.
• Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Director, Communications with public information as necessitated by correspondence and telephone inquiries.
• In conjunction with Communications Division colleagues, disseminates news and other information to targeted audiences through variety of online avenues, including social media.
• Provides technical assistance to school-based and Central Office administrators, supervisors, faculty and other staff members concerning publicity and public information efforts.
• Participates in staff development/in-service activities in the areas of public relations and communications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or other related writing field from a regionally accredited college or university required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  
  

Experience

• Two (2) years recent professional level work experience in the writing and editing of a wide variety of communications materials required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Knowledge and/or familiarity with electronic media communications to include internet, cable and video technology, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with Board personnel, external organizations and the general public.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills, creativity, and facility with language so as to communicate technical or sensitive information to the general public in an effective, easily understandable form.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).
  
  

Language Requirements

• Bilingual/Biliterate in Spanish native or near native required.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• N/A
  
  

Driving Requirements

• N/A
  
  

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions described here 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.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
  
  

Vision

The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements
  
  

Work Environment

Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time
  
  

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
  
  

Weight & Force

Lifting and carrying requirements

• None:
  
  

Travel Requirements

• N/A
  
  

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date: 5/1/2025 Established Date: 6/1/1997 Title Code: A01969 Title: SPECIALIST: COMMUNICATIONS OUTREACH Alternate Title: Specialist: Communications Outreach Reports to Generic: Director Reports to Specific: DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATIONS

ORGANIZATION

Division: Communications Business Unit: Communications Office Department: Negotiated Agreement: N/A

HR JOB INFORMATION

Unit: V Days Worked: 260 FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt Grade:

PG05

Click HERE to view Terms of Employment, Benefits and Salary Scale. Scroll down to locate (Unit 5 – Professional Staff).

Essential Job: Months Worked: 12 Hours Worked: 8 Job Family: Communications and Media Services Sub-Function: Media Relations

VR# 26070