Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist supports various aspects of daily communications to various stakeholders. They serve as a pivotal member of the communications team and report directly to the Executive Chief of Communications. The role requires a systems-thinker who can manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develops short, medium, and long-range communications plans and strategies that align with organizational and departmental goals, including project tracking and evaluation.
• Manages district-wide internal and external comprehensive event calendars to ensure efficient and effective meeting of department and district organizational objectives.
• Oversees the District Translator/Interpreter and provides oversight for the translation and interpretation request process to ensure equitable access to district and school information.
• Collaborates with the Director of Multilingual Services to ensure all state requirements are met and proper budgeting and oversight related to grant requirements.
• Manages the district's weekly Fast Five community-based newsletter, ensuring engaging content, diversity in topics, equitable representation of schools, and timely distribution.
• Oversees content development for the District 65 website, school websites, and employee intranet, establishing a system for timely routine updates, and collaborating with school staff.
• Serves as liaison and proactively builds relationships with news media, responding to media requests, arranging media visits, and supervising the production and distribution of news releases.
• Manages the district's mass notification system, sending community-wide messages and building capacity among school leaders and department staff.
• Oversees District 65 social media channels, providing training, oversight, and support to all employees, monitoring other social media channels, and responding as appropriate.
• Documents and shares moments from classrooms and school events through simple video and photo content that highlights student learning.
• Oversees the High Five! Staff Recognition Program and the Care & Concern notification process for staff.
• Supports cabinet, department, and school leaders with messaging and writing for community, parent/caregiver, and staff communications, presentations, etc.
• Available outside of regular working hours for events, crisis events, and communications.
• Liaison and communications support to Foundation 65, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and district policy.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Minimum of five years of communications-related experience, preferably in a school system.