Communications Support Specialist II

Medford School District, 549C•Medford, OR

About The Position

This position supports student success by aligning the District's communications and community engagement programs with District goals. The Communications Support Specialist 2 facilitates accurate and timely internal/external communication and information processes that contribute to and encourage community involvement in the District's efforts to meet the instructional needs of students. This position develops and distributes district communications in print and electronic formats; serves as a backup contact for news media, staff, and the public; and assists in managing projects and events. This position is the second in a series of positions in Communications and represents more advanced skills in media relations. To become a Communications Support Specialist II, individuals must demonstrate knowledge of the Medford School District brand and an advanced understanding of communication platforms used at the District.

Requirements

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field or a combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential functions.
Three years of demonstrated Communications experience is required.
Demonstrated high-level skill and ability to interact appropriately with all audiences, including but not limited to the general public, parents, teachers, staff, and students; Ability to focus on solving conflict; maintain confidentiality; understanding communication in building a positive team spirit.
Highest level proficiency in English verbal and written communication with excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation; preference may be given to applicants who are also fluent in spoken and written Spanish with a demonstrated high-level Spanish literacy; ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from the general public, parents, students, or District staff; ability to write complex reports, correspondence, public relations messages, and respond to common inquiries from regulatory agencies.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; high proficiency in using spreadsheets to create charts, presentations, or similar reports.
Ability to apply sound judgment and understanding in carrying out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form; work with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
To perform this job successfully, an individual will be highly proficient with a variety of multi-media software, including but not limited to desktop publishing, MS Office suite, internet, e-mail, various forms of social media, Photoshop, and similar products, database software; highly proficient in the set-up and direct the use of multi-media hardware, computers/laptops, projectors, audio equipment.
Certificates as determined by the District, including a valid Oregon driver's license.
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must often stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision. Must be able to speak clearly enough to be understood by others and comprehend another person's speech—emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and control all aspects of the job.

Responsibilities

Implements communications plans and community engagement plans.
Recommends innovative and promotional avenues of communication for various types of media and suggests effective communication strategies to management.
Shares responsibility for daily news media relations.
May serve as District spokesperson as assigned.
May be assigned to media representatives to initiate articles and news releases about District programs; communicate with media representatives about sensitive or controversial information; create press kits and other media information.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from citizens, news media, and District personnel.
Provides crisis communications for the District by working closely with others in the District's incident command structure to disseminate accurate information promptly.
Serves as contact for the Communications Department for general inquiries from staff and the public.
Coordinates and responds on behalf of the District to information requests, commendations, and complaints.
Creates regular, relevant written and multimedia content for websites, social media, e-newsletters, and other communications channels.
Provides advice and assistance to schools and departments on communications, community relations, and media relations, including crisis communications and other immediate issues.
Responsible for maintaining District and school websites, social media platforms, and electronic communication tools while providing staff training, guidance, and insight on the school website/social media maintenance.
Utilizes and manages digital systems, including the District's auto dialer/notification system and mobile app.
Provides professional assistance in developing various publications (brochures, newsletters, information bulletins, annual financial documents) for schools and departments.
Facilitates all advertising, promotions, publicity, and public outreach activities.
Monitors local, state, and national news related to educational issues.
Establishes and maintains content consistency, adhering to style guidelines, branding, and voice.
Assists in planning and coordinating special events.
Maintains organization and meets deadlines of multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Additional duties may be assigned as the needs of the District are determined.
Complies with applicable District, state, local, and federal laws and regulations.
Attends work regularly and is punctual.