Primary Purpose:
Promote positive public relations between the school district and community. Prepare and provide information to the public about the activities, goals, and policies of the school district. Distribute pertinent information about the district and its activities to employees.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions
Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing
Experience:
____ years journalism or communications experience
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Public and Community Relations

• Serve as the information liaison between the school district and the community. Coordinate media coverage including preparing press releases and publishing articles and photos in local media and other publications.
• Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
• Take photographs for district publications, presentations, and displays. Record meetings or programs (both video and audio) throughout the district.
• Design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, and other publications.
• Design, prepare, and edit online and print graphics, publications, and presentations for campus and district initiatives and events.
• Maintain and enforce visual appearance and brand continuity in print and digital environment.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Maintain archive of all district digital assets.

Policies, Reports, and Law

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget

• Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.

Personnel Management

• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation of the communications function.

Other

• Answer incoming calls and respond to routine inquiries from public, media, board of trustees, and staff as directed. Refer nonroutine inquiries to communications officer.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; camera; video camera
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent districtwide and statewide travel
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress