 |
| Speciaist,
Dept. of Communications |
0652 |
| Specialist |
M |
| Under direction, assists the director of communications
in managing the daily activities of the Department of
Communications, and serving as a spokesperson for the
school system and as a member of the superintendent’s
communications team. Provides assistance to the superintendent,
senior staff, principals, and individual schools in
effective internal and external communication strategies.
Develops and implements strategies to improve employee,
parent, and community understanding of school system
policies, procedures, programs, resources, initiatives,
and performance.
|
| Thorough knowledge of organizational communications,
public relations, and journalism related to the administration
and operation of schools and school systems; the implementation
of public policy; and the involvement of employees,
parents, students, community and civic leaders, and
the general public in the educational enterprise. Demonstrated
ability to handle complicated communication issues,
involving multiple audiences, critical deadlines, and
intricate logistical planning; to work effectively with
the news media; to write and speak clearly and concisely
about complex topics including curriculum, assessment,
budget, construction, legal issues, regulations, and
public policies, often under pressure; to interact with
senior staff, principals, departmental staff, community
groups, parents, and elected officials working collegially
with others, and effectively conduct large and small
group meetings. Excellent interpersonal skills.
|
| Bachelor’s degree in a communications or related
field from an accredited college or university. Master’s
degree preferred. Extensive experience in news media
relations, organizational communications, public relations,
community relations, and crisis communications. Extensive
experience in handling news media inquiries and responding
as a spokesperson, under deadline and during emergency
situations. Extensive experience in publication and
report writing, editing, and design; script writing
and television program development, including on-camera
presentation; speech writing; and general correspondence
writing. Other combinations of applicable education,
training, and experience which provides the knowledge,
abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively
in the position may be considered. |
| None |
| (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to work evenings and beyond a normal work week
when required to do so. |
| (Frequent overtime
or night work required, etc.) None |
| No |
|
Assists the director in administering all functions
of the department, including representing the superintendent
and the school system as a spokesperson for media inquiries
and events.
Provides leadership in the management of new and continuing
projects, publications, programs, and activities, as
part of the overall functions and strategies of the
department.
Initiates, plans, and orchestrates press conferences
and other media events to publicize school system policies,
procedures, programs, resources, initiatives, and performance.
Researches, writes, and disseminates original media
announcements on a variety of topics; and works with
reporters and editors for timely coverage in print and
electronic media.
Produces and presents a weekly cable television news
and information program on school system policies, programs,
events, and activities.
Develops, implements, and supervises an annual graduate-level
internship program with area universities to acquire
assistance in organizational communications and public
relations.
Provides leadership and assistance in the development
of communication strategies specifically designed to
assist the programs and activities of the Office of
Instruction and Program Development and the Office of
Student and Community Services.
Responds to Freedom of Information inquiries and other
requests for information.
Participates in the weekly meeting of the Chief of
Staff and the executive staff assistants.
Performs other duties as required.
|
7/01
|
This description may be changed at any time.
Note: A general guide to class description, which includes
definitions of standard terms used, is considered an integral
part of this description and is available
from the Office of Human Resources. |
|
