BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, independently performs a wide variety of complex technical and clerical tasks to support the District's strategic communication plan and promote District, school, and student successes to internal and external audiences including to the news media and community organizations; assists in the planning and management of District special events and programs; monitors and tracks news and social media activity; conducts research and prepares reports related to communication activities; gathers information and responds to requests for information.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Assist in the planning, development, creation, and dissemination of District communication materials, including newsletters, brochures, electronic flyers, style guides, website content and social media. E
• Assist in the planning and management of District special events and programs; work with outside organizations and agencies on a variety of community relations projects; coordinate participation of district participants and facilitate event logistics. E
• Prepare agenda items and back-up materials for a variety of meetings; prepare charts and statistical information as needed; attend meetings and take minutes. E
• Support crisis and emergency communication planning and support; monitor news coverage; disseminate information and respond to inquiries. E
• Review, screen and route telephone calls; process and prioritize news media requests and handle general information requests from community members; serve as a resource to others concerning policies and procedures. E
• Monitor and track news media and social media activity concerning the District and its schools; maintain ongoing awareness of current school district issues. E
• Research and compile a variety of information; compute statistical information for various reports; write copy for news releases, memorandums, resolutions, and other routine copy as requested by the Superintendent and/or Director of Communications. E
• Attend events and shoot photographs and video of District and school events for use on website, newsletter, social media, and other media. E
• Assure timely communications between assigned office and District employees; resolve issues as appropriate; refer complex and sensitive matters to the administrator. E
• Perform clerical and administrative assistance duties including maintain calendars and files, order supplies, and monitor department budget; plan, coordinate and organize office activities and flow of communications; maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information. E
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and assigned software; record information and generate lists, reports and other materials. E
• Attend and participate in a variety of in-service trainings and meetings. E
• Perform related duties as assigned.

At the end of some of the duty statements, there is an “E” which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Current trends and issues in California public schools.

Familiarity of local media landscape.

Media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.

Functions and operations of an administrative office.

Telephone techniques and etiquette. 

District organization, operations, policies and objectives. 

Applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.

Financial record-keeping and budget report preparation techniques.

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

Interpersonal and customer service skills using tact, patience and courtesy. 

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Operation of a computer and assigned software such as Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, video editing software, and graphic design/online newsletter platforms.

Methods of collecting and organizing data and information.

Principles and methods of advertising and promoting services and programs.

Methods of event planning, promotion, and coordination.

Business letter and report writing techniques.

Basic photography, videography, and related imaging and editing software.

Basic webpage creating and editing software.

Basic public relations and media relations techniques.

Social media etiquette for professional use.

ABILITY TO:

Perform complex secretarial and administrative assistance duties to relieve the administrator of administrative detail.

Compose correspondence and written materials independently or from oral instructions.

Assure efficient and timely completion of office and departmental projects and activities. Understand and resolve issues, complaints, or problems. 

Exercise appropriate judgment in making decisions. 

Work independently with little direction. 

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 

Organize, coordinate and oversee office activities. 

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. 

Interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Type or input data at an acceptable rate of speed.

Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Maintain financial and statistical records.

Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.

Drive a vehicle to conduct work. 

Operate special media equipment, such as a camera, microphone, and mobile device.

Create effective and attractive displays of information.

Manage social media accounts. 

Compile and verify data and prepare reports. 

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Serve as an ambassador for PUSD personnel and programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree with course work in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, broadcasting or related field, and two years of job related experience in marketing, communications, or journalism with at least one year using desktop publishing, videography, photography, or social media for professional purposes.  Additional years of experience or education may be substituted to meet the minimum qualifications.  Experience working for a public agency is desirable. 

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

School sites and public events.

Frequent interruptions.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and electronic equipment.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.

Seeing to write, read, prepare, and proofread a variety of materials.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects of moderate weight.

Some climbing and balancing.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.

HAZARDS:

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Communications Specialist performs specialized and technical communications and planning duties requiring a high level of initiative and independent decision-making with minimal direction.  This is a stand-alone classification within the Administrative Support Job Series.