Public Relations and Media Specialist

Reports to: Development and Community Relations Director

Primary Service Area: Santa Fe, NM

Employment Term: 11-month, 210-day contract; exempt

Salary/Wage Range: $60,259-$96,922. New hires are hired up to mid-range depending on education and experience.

Deadline for Application: Open until filled         

Summary

Position supports the functions of the Development & Community Relations (DCR) Office to increase awareness and visibility to promote the New Mexico School for the Deaf’s programs and statewide services through duties which include but are not limited to marketing and advertising; media relations; graphic design, website and social media postings and maintenance. Additionally, this position requires a variety of development efforts interfacing face-to-face, by phone and e-mail with community stakeholders including media outlets, civic groups, donors, legislators, VIPS, business owners, vendors, agencies, staff, parents, alumni, and retirees.

It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and respectful manner, with a strong focus on advancing the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf. The duties and competencies listed are comprehensive yet not all inclusive of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

Marketing and Community Relations

• Develop and implement proactive community relations strategies to keep the community informed about NMSD’s Vision/Mission and its accomplishments.
• Manage and maintain ongoing website and Intranet content as well as conduct ongoing analysis of platform performance.
• Draft and send out correspondence to Stakeholders at appropriate times (e.g. birthdays, thank you notes/letters, congratulations, get well, sympathy messages, etc.).
• Promote the school’s positive accomplishments in the public eye by maintaining relationships with various media personnel and by assisting the Director in preparing press releases, creating press kits, and by setting up interviews with local press & news media personnel.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of special school-community events (e.g. conferences, retiree and staff celebrations, donor events, etc.)

Publications and Graphic Design

• Prepare and organize all publications and marketing materials. Lead and oversee all aspects of content creation, design, layout, copy writing, proofreading, editing, and the translation process. Maintain mailing databases for effective dissemination of publications and graphic projects such as, but not limited to the New Mexico Progress, the Annual Report, Brochures, the Annual Holiday Card, and miscellaneous greeting cards.
• Assist with the organization, design, and dissemination of annual direct mail campaigns (i.e.: NMSD’s Fall Appeal).
• Design custom graphics/art, edit images/videos for various projects and marketing initiatives.

Social Media

• Manage and maintain ongoing Social Media content (Facebook & Instagram).

• Create, curate, and edit engaging content for various media platforms, such as social media, websites, and internal communications.
• Maintain and update a content calendar to ensure timely publication for various platforms
• Monitor social media channels for trending topics and relevant discussions.
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Brainstorm social media campaign ideas with the DCR team and NMSD community.
• Analyze social media performance metrics to gauge success and suggest improvements
• Assist in creating performance reports for the Development and Community Relations Director.

Digital Assets

• Manage and organize the digital asset management system and files including standardized naming, tagging, and storage of photo and video archives.
• Locate specific photos for community needs, press releases, presentations, brochures, and promotional materials needed for DCR projects and other NMSD departments.

• Photograph events, construction projects, and staff when needed.
• Manage, maintain, and communicate photo release and waiver form information ensuring all participants grant proper consent in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.

Development

• Provide support to DCR, departmental, and schoolwide fundraising efforts.
• Maintain individual donor files, databases and donor honor roll.
• Maintain databases for Alumni, Legislatures, and other Stakeholders.

Assist with donor cultivation efforts and help prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence to donors.

General Responsibilities

• Communicates in a positive and effective manner with staff, students, co-workers, parents, visitors and community partners. 

• Provides general and specific information, directions, and support to the NMSD community and external stakeholders on behalf of the Development and Community Relations Department.

• Supports other functions of the department including content creation and design for the Dr. Kenneth Brasel Museum.
• Demonstrates involvement as a team member by contributing to the department’s philosophy, vision, and goals. 
• Participate in and contribute to staff meetings.

Position-Specific Qualifications/Requirements:

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Professional Writing, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least two (2) years of progressive and directly related public relations experience required. 
• Equivalent education and experience may be substituted for each other on a year for one basis.

Competencies:

• Possess a high level of computer skills, especially proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Access, and Outlook)
  • Adobe Creative Suites (Photoshop, Premiere, and InDesign)
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Web design and development (basic HTML and CSS skills)
  • Project Management (Trello)
  • PC and Mac Platforms

• Possession of professional writing, proofreading, and editing skills

• Ability to work independently and effectively within the collaborative nature of a teamwork environment.
• Ability to engage professionally and pleasantly with school, corporate, professional, and public communities on the telephone and in person.

• Ability to adjust quickly to an ever-changing schedule, flexible with constantly changing demands and able to multi-task effectively.  
• High degree of attention to detail in a high-production office environment.

Qualifications and Expectations Applicable to All NMSD Employees

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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Commitment to Vision- Must be committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs

• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.
• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs. 

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented. 

• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement. 

• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills. 

• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively. 

• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity. Possesses a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.

• Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 

• Reasoning Ability- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.

• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations. 

• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts. 

• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed. 

• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce. 

• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles.

• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values. 

• Adaptability- Manages competing demands. 

• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed. 

• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. 

• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions. 

• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed. 

• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality. 

• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.  

• 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive for long periods of time; stand; walk and sit. Unless otherwise stated in this job description, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.? As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $60,259 - $96,922