CENTRAL UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Classified Management Job Description

May 2023

Classification 6/12-Month

Exempt

PUBLIC INFORMATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

DEFINITION:

Under general direction of the Superintendent or designee, plans, organizes, coordinates and maintains the comprehensive communications program for both internal and external audiences; which includes elements of community, public, and media relations, publications, recognition, marketing and website development and maintenance; provides professional and technical support to school sites, departments and senior leadership with internal and external communication matters including crisis management, media relations, employee communications and event management; coordinates marketing, social networking, special events, services, programs and other District or assigned community related activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: 

?       Leads and contributes to the development of comprehensive communication plans.

?       Develops and maintains ongoing connections with parents and other community partners of the District to form collaborative efforts to improve the educational outcomes for students.

?       Provides excellent customer service to all community partners, responding to phone calls, emails, letters, and other communications in a professional and timely manner.

?       Coordinates marketing, social networking, and website content to maintain quality, accuracy and consistency of information presented; manages the District’s social media presence on a variety of social media platforms.

?       Develops, supervises, and assists with the production of District newsletters, brochures, and other publications to keep staff and community partners informed of District activities, updates, etc.

?       Works with senior staff to respond to all public records requests and other information available to the public.

?       Serves as a resource to administration and staff, providing information related to strategic communications and public relations, including the dissemination of confidential and nonconfidential information.

?       Assists district staff and others concerning the writing, editing, composition, layout and production of outgoing correspondence and publications to ensure accuracy and consistency with administrative procedures and board policies. 

?       Performs routine press relations functions, including but not limited to, drafting press releases, staging media events, fielding and referring media calls, monitoring media stories and advising on any that may require action or response by the District; serves as spokesperson for the District, as directed.

?       Plans and organizes special events and activities to enhance public relations; coordinates major district events as assigned.

?       Attends board meetings as the media resource person; assists media representatives in obtaining background information of board agenda items, interviews with Board members and district administration; assists in the interpretation of Board actions.

?       Attends school and district events, and community organization meetings to provide information about District programs and services and to keep informed of community programs.

?       Meets regularly with key staff to stay abreast of District and school information and needs.

?       Responsible for developing and maintaining parent and community outreach programs using different modes of communication and technology.

?       Supports emergency communication efforts and media management during a crisis situation; exchanges and coordinates information with administrators, law enforcement and others, and coordinates a unified message to inform news media, and internal and external community partners.

?       Assists with the implementation and monitoring of emergency notification systems and content filters to help identify and address potential issues.

?       Assists school administrators in improving communications including surveys and customer service programs with staff, students, parents, and the local community. 

?       Translates communications and provides oral interpretations if necessary. 

?       Attends, photographs and reports on District events and activities; interviews and photographs students, teachers, administrators, staff and the public, as needed.

?       Assists with the coordination of production of informational and promotional videos of district events, programs, and staff.

?       Assists with collecting information for the District master calendar and with providing monthly calendar of activities to the Board of Trustees and cabinet members; and with coordinating attendance at events. 

?       Maintains active list of key community members and notifies them of district events, activities, and other communications.

?       Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with business and community leadership and community organizations to provide opportunities for students.

?       Promotes newsworthy materials from District and site personnel including, but not limited to, information on student activities, shows and exhibits, and other District related matters.

?       Assists in the advertisement of employment opportunities available within the District.

?       Provides support in communicating policies and procedures related to use of facilities by outside organizations and serves as a liaison between the organization and District staff.

?       Orders materials, supplies and equipment; maintains records of purchase orders, invoices and expenses.

?       Prepares a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files.

?       Attends and participates in meetings, hearings, conferences and required training.

?       Travels to events and activities within the city and county on a regular basis.

?       Communicates and builds professional relationships with others.

?       Serves on various committees related to the position.

?       Collaborates with and supports administration in the achievement of district goals.

?       Knows, understands, and communicates the mission and core values of the District.

?       Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development; keeps informed of current trends in communications, public relations, advertising, community relations, government relations, public education, and other pertinent areas.

?       Performs related duties as assigned within the scope and skill level of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

?       Public relations and communications practices, procedures, and code of ethics.

?       Principles and techniques of graphic design, desktop publishing, web design, social media applications, photography, and image editing.

?       Effective public relations and speaking, and communication practices.

?       Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

?       State laws and district policies, rules and regulations.

?       Project management skills to develop schedules and timelines, identify critical tasks and monitor progress.

?       Human relations skills to work productively and cooperatively with diverse groups within and outside the District, using tact, patience and courtesy.

?       Computer software including email, graphic design software, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and Google suite, and general office practices, procedures, machines, and equipment.

ABILITY TO:

?       Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.