] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, EMPLOYEE RETIREE SERVICE CENTER

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Communications Specialist, Employee Retiree Service Center

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Commnctn Spec/Web Producer CODE: 5505 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Specialist, Employee Retiree Service Center GRADE: 21 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, plans communication strategies, organizes and implements a departmental plan for the communication of employee benefit, payroll, and retirement information utilizing electronic, print, and graphic presentation materials. Coordinates the production of all publications and training materials produced by the Employee and Retiree Service Center. Applies artistic judgment and skill in preparing communication materials. In consultation with functional specialists develops forms, letters, notices, web pages, and newsletter type publications for use by current MCPS employees and retirees. Must be able to provide training to department staff and others in the use of communication materials that are computer based.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of organizational communications and journalism. The ability to work and plan independently and complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner, frequently under pressure and deadline requirements. Excellent interpersonal, human relations, oral, and written communication skills required. The ability to develop user-friendly forms, training materials, and communication tools that enable a clear and consistent message to be disseminated across a large organization. The ability to utilize multiple communication mediums to disseminate and convey information to a wide spectrum readers. Ability to work with functional specialists in defining communication requirements. Ability to research, write, edit and/or rewrite material to conform to high journalistic standards. Ability to work creatively with Electronic Graphics and Publishing Services, Instructional Television, and Web Communications Team to produce information media. Knowledge of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred. College major coursework in journalism, or related field. Professional experience in journalism and organizational communications preferred. Knowledge of publication design, editing, and production. Extensive experience in using microcomputer hardware and software, multimedia, and telecommunications. Successful experience in writing/editing written communications. Excellent knowledge and understanding of English grammar and composition. Experience in the development and maintenance of web pages preferred. Some exposure to communication via television production desirable. Previous communications experience Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assesses need for, plans, creates, coordinates and evaluates communication strategies and channels to improve communications to employees and retirees.

2. Serves as the primary webmaster for the Employee and Retiree Service Centers¿ website. Updates ERSC Web pages with new content (blurbs, links, images, documents, etc.) on a regular basis. Writes and edits web content using web publishing software such as FTP, HTML, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and Tron.

3. Reviews, updates, creates, and manages the department¿s web page(s).

4. Maintains and expands knowledge of new developments in web communications.

5. Creates templates of a consistent style and format for publications and materials produced by the department.

6. Develops and implements an annual communication plan that addresses publications and/or supplements to publications.

7. Frequently reviews new publications or television productions that may be of value to MCPS employees and/or retirees. This could include but is not limited to materials produced by the Maryland State Retirement Agency.

8. Researches, writes, and edits articles and publications such as ¿For Your Benefit¿, ¿Retiring Times¿, active and retiree Open Enrollment Materials, as well as other employee and retiree publications.

9. Develops and edits standard communications to be used in employee and/or retiree notifications. Works with functional specialists and others to ensure clarity and completeness of notifications and disclosures.

10. Manages ERSC e-mail account. Monitors all incoming messages and distribution to functional specialists for research and response. Responsible for placing employee information into call tracking software. Edits and coordinates responses to employees and retirees.

11. Develops and maintains liaison relationship with Electronic Graphics and Publishing Services (EGPS), Department of Reporting and Regulatory, and the MCPS Retiree Association providing overall coordination of publications and forms for the Employee and Retiree Service Center. Works closely and assists in the overall design of publications with EGPS graphic designer, publication and production manager.

12. Designs and maintains production schedules for ERSC publications.

13. Maintains contact with ERSC staff, keeping staff abreast of available (print and electronic) communication as well as ERSC website updates.

14. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 5/05
Date(s) Revised: 7/09
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.