Communications Coordinator

Proviso Township High Schools•Forest Park, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Coordinator supports the District's strategic communications efforts with a primary emphasis on multimedia storytelling, digital content creation, photography, videography, social media and website communications. Working closely with the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator identifies, develops and produces compelling stories that showcase the students, staff, schools, programs, achievements and community partnerships of Proviso Township High Schools District 209. This position serves as a key content producer for the Communications Department and manages multimedia projects from concept through production and publication. The Communications Coordinator regularly works across all District schools and departments and must be able to manage multiple projects, respond to emerging communications needs and provide coverage of District events that may occur during evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Marketing, Film/Video Production or a related field preferred.
Three or more years of professional experience in communications, journalism, multimedia production, marketing, public relations, digital media or a related field preferred.
Exceptional storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through written, visual, audio and digital mediums.
Demonstrated experience producing multimedia content from concept through completion, including planning, scripting, interviewing, filming, photography, editing and publishing.
Strong experience shooting and editing short-form, social-first and longer-form video content.
Strong photography skills, including experience photographing events, people, activities and environments under a variety of lighting conditions.
Strong interviewing, writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to create clear, accurate and engaging content for a variety of audiences.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting short- and long-term deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience developing content for websites, social media platforms, newsletters and other digital communications channels.
Advanced knowledge of multimedia storytelling, video production, photography, audio production and digital content creation.
Proficiency with professional cameras, lenses, lighting, microphones, audio equipment, tripods, stabilizers/gimbals and related production equipment.
Proficiency with professional video and photo editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, Final Cut Pro or comparable platforms.
Experience with graphic design and visual content creation platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
Knowledge of current social media platforms, trends, algorithms, audience behaviors and platform-specific content best practices.
Strong knowledge of writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation and AP style.
Ability to quickly comprehend and synthesize complex information into clear, concise and audience-appropriate content.
Familiarity with website content management systems such as Finalsite, WordPress or similar platforms.
Familiarity with mass communications platforms, email marketing systems and digital publishing tools.
Understanding of website accessibility, digital accessibility and best practices for accessible communications.
Knowledge of social media, website and digital content analytics and the ability to use data to inform communications strategies.
Strong organizational, project management and time management skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and prioritize competing assignments.
Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, staff, students, families, community partners and members of the Communications Department.
Ability to work effectively with and tell authentic stories representing diverse populations and communities.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make students, staff and community members comfortable during interviews, photography and video production.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with sensitive District matters.

Nice To Haves

A professional portfolio or work samples demonstrating experience in video production, photography, digital storytelling or related multimedia work is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports the District's strategic communications efforts with a primary emphasis on multimedia storytelling, digital content creation, photography, videography, social media and website communications.
Identifies, develops and produces compelling stories that showcase the students, staff, schools, programs, achievements and community partnerships of Proviso Township High Schools District 209.
Serves as a key content producer for the Communications Department and manages multimedia projects from concept through production and publication.
Regularly works across all District schools and departments.
Manages multiple projects, responds to emerging communications needs and provides coverage of District events that may occur during evenings and weekends.
Pitches, plans, shoots, edits and publishes multimedia stories independently in the style of a multimedia journalist (MMJ).
Packs, transports, sets up and operates cameras, tripods, lighting, microphones and associated multimedia equipment at District schools and other locations.
Travels between District facilities and attends events outside of regular business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.