What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator of Communication and External Affairs position at State of Louisiana?
THE LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR THE FULL-TIME POSITION OF COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Salary range for this 12-month position is $40,000 - $45,000.
Application ProcessApplication review begins immediately and remains open until the position is filled. Please complete the standard application form at www.lsmsa.edu and attach it with a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and an official transcript from your final degree-granting institution to: employment@lsmsa.edu. Please submit your application as one PDF file that includes all the above if possible.
LSMSA is a selective admission, public residential high school located in Natchitoches, LA. LSMSA has a 40-year legacy of a preeminent college-level living/learning experience for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. LSMSA, located adjacent to the Northwestern State University campus, is a National Blue Ribbon School which, in 2023 and 2024, was rated No 1 for Best Public High School Teachers in Louisiana according to Niche.com and was named a World’s Leading Boarding School by Fortune Magazine in 2023.
LSMSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age and prohibits such discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions online at www.lsmsa.edu/nondiscrimination
Master’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field
Three years' experience in public relations, media relations, or marketing for a secondary school, university, or other education-related business or non-profit organization
Strong understanding of best practices in public relations and marketing.
Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills
Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude toward colleagues and other external constituencies
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Ability to travel and to work flexible hours as necessary, including evenings and weekends
Preferred:
Five years' experience in public relations, media relations, or marketing for a secondary school, university, or other education-related business or non-profit organization
Previous experience coordinating internal and external communications in the field of education
Knowledge of desktop publishing and/or graphic design software
The Coordinator of Communications and External Affairs develops and implements strategies to enhance the institution’s communication with various stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community.
The Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating outreach initiatives and ensuring consistent messaging and communication with all stakeholders. The Coordinator will also be responsible for developing and implementing a media relations plan, acting as media spokesperson on behalf of the school, assisting with the creation and development of major publications, and assisting with the planning and implementation of departmental outreach programs.
The Coordinator serves as supervisor for the Public Relations and Outreach Specialist and the Part-Time Media Specialist.
Applicants should be dedicated to working in an environment that is highly focused on student development and support. Further, applicants should have a commitment to their own personal and professional development and have a desire to be a collaborative member of a team.
Internal and External Communications (80%)
Contribute to the overall success of the school bybridging internal and external messaging, coordinating outreach initiatives, and ensuring consistent messaging and communication with all stakeholders.
In collaboration with key departments, develop a comprehensive communication strategy for consistent, compelling messaging to current and prospective students, parents, donors, alumni, local employers, and other key community members.
Develop and implement a media relations plan that includes the type, frequency, and placement of known stories to be produced and submitted to media outlets over the course of the academic year.
Plan and disseminate internal and external communication of information through various media that is designed to assure consistency of messaging and to keep internal and external stakeholders appropriately informed.
Assist and advise members of the school community regarding communication/public relations issues that have a school-wide impact; assist administration in planning and formulating communication strategies relative to institutional issues and crisis management; build and maintain key relationships within school community.
Cultivate and maintain knowledge of and relationships with key news media at local and state levels.
Manage schoolwide communication with parents through monthly e-newsletters andadditional email communication as needed.
Act as media spokesperson on behalf of the school, in conjunction with the executive director, to address questions, concerns, or complaints.
Respond to requests for information from the media and the public, determiningappropriate, accurate response.
Partner with members of the administrative council and LSMSA Board of Directors in the creation and development of major publications.
Serve as a liaison to the LSMSA Foundation Public Relations Committee.
Assist with management of activities of Parents Council on behalf of LSMSA.
Assist with management of activities of the LSMSA Alumni Association on behalf of LSMSA.
Provide direct supervision to the Public Relations and Outreach Specialist and Part-Time Media Specialist.
Other Duties as Assigned (20%)
Assist with departmental outreach programs, including Summer@LSMSAand LSMSA-TIP, as needed by the department.
Other tasks and duties as assigned
Salary : $40,000 - $45,000