Communication Coordinator

Position Description:

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for carrying out the communications strategy of Jefferson Parish Schools. S/he is responsible for managing and maintaining the district website, and regular internal newsletters; overseeing and supporting a team of webmasters to manage school and department web pages and social media channels; creating and distributing regular internal and external content; building communications capacity among school and district staff; and assisting the Executive Director of Communications with regular media relations and other communications needs. S/he is driven by the district’s mission of providing the education our students deserve to succeed in life and make our world a better place.

Reports to:

Executive Director of Communications

Scope of Responsibility:

Website

• Plans, develops and monitors content for the district website with a keen understanding of website design and layout for a seamless end-user experience.
• Uses analytics to measure website performance.
• Hosts website trainings for district and school staff.
• Supports school and district-level web managers in developing and maintaining their web pages to ensure consistent branding across all of the district’s owned pages.
• Develops strategies to increase website traffic to key campaigns and uses Google Analytics to provide recommendations for improved communications.
• Manages the district’s relationship with website vendor, driving website best practices and scheduling regular support and training seminars for school and district-level web managers.
• Conducts content audits to eliminate outdated, redundant or duplicate information.
• Works with the technology department to maintain website infrastructure and ensure efficient technical performance.
• Creates and/or facilitates creation of website-based online forms and surveys for district and school staff.
• Maintains a current understanding of website best practices.

Social Media

• Helps monitor all social media account activity on a daily basis, monitors comments and private messages, providing excellent customer service in a timely and appropriate manner.

Content Creation

• Utilizes all content creation tools including photo, video, written articles and graphics to tell stories about our students, educators, schools and district in a meaningful, fun, and relevant way.
• Abilities to visit schools, departments, etc. and creates and distributes content without any additional assistance.
• Develops relationships with school leaders and staff to consistently be kept aware of school events, awards, and honors, and highlight school stories through various digital communications.
• Serves on the video production team for board meetings and other special projects as assigned by the Director of Communications.

Communications

• Assists with the editorial direction for the district’s annual magazine, The Jefferson Journal.

• Produces Administrators Update and District Download newsletters and other internal communications as needed.

Media Relations

• Provides media relations support including drafting and distributing press/photo releases and responding to media queries as needed.

• Provides excellent internal communications support to school and district-based staff.
• Consistently delivers high quality products under tight deadlines and successfully manages own projects through strong organization, detailed work plans, and balancing of multiple priorities.
• Must be available after hours and on the weekends for events and emergency communications.
• Maintains a high quality of customer service including but not limited to answering phone calls, emails, and communicating with people.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Communications or Chief of Staff.

Skills and Qualifications:

We seek detail-oriented, independent self-starters who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and who have a record of high performance in challenging situations. Successful candidates will also demonstrate and/or possess:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of experience in web and social media management, online communications development or online journalism
• Familiarity with website Content Management Systems - (CMS) Analytical mind with an understanding of Search Engine Optimization and website layout for a seamless user experience.
• Proficiency with current technology and tools for multi-platform communications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively-with various internal and external stakeholders using multiple mediums.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills and familiarity with the Associated Press style
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to make decisions and recommendations.
• High degree of professionalism with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities while consistently demonstrating sound judgment and disciplined thinking.
• Ability to be visionary and strategic is essential.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity and experience with district and school level operations preferred.

Physical Involvement:

Must be able to operate office equipment. Standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 40 pounds is sometimes required. Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and

meeting sites. Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.