Public Information Officer

Chester County School District • Chester, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports student success by ensuring that the District’s communications program is aligned with District goals, and by facilitating the development of 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Marketing
• three to four years' related experience in public relations or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in written.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiently use the following programs: Google Applications, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress.
• Experience working as a public information officer.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate crisis communications for the district and participate in regional school safety planning efforts.
• Support leadership in responses to inquiries and complaints received from citizens, news media and school district personnel.
• Provide professional public relations counsel and assistance to the district office administration, School Board and school administrators.
• Provide live-streaming and technological execution to the School Board of Trustees during meetings of the Board and/or district staff.
• Coordinate and oversee various district special events (graduation, Superintendent's Art show, Teacher Appreciation, etc..).
• Recommend innovative and promotional avenues of communication for various types of media and counsel top management on effective communication strategies.
• Serve as information liaison between the total school system and the community at large and as an intermediary between school and district-level administrators/officials and the media.
• Create, manage, and maintain district and school websites and social media platforms while providing staff training, guidance and insight on school website/social media maintenance. This includes regular updates and audits to the district/school websites and district social media.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Write communication policies and procedures for handling sensitive information or media contact.
• Facilitate all advertising, promotions, publicity and public outreach activities as well as manage contracts for advertising, sponsorships and other promotional activities.
• Improve public opinion of CCSD by engaging constituents through appropriate media platforms and targeted communication forums.
• Contact 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.
• Develop and maintain accurate records of the district’s public relations.
• Develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive internal and external district communication plan including, but not limited to, publications, media relations, electronic communications.
• Establish and maintain two-way communication systems among schools, offices, departments and the district and among the district, the media, and the public.
• Organize, assimilate and disseminate facts about Chester County Schools to the public through news media.
• Oversee the production of video and audio communication materials for both school and district administrative staff.
• Provide in-service training as required on media, public and community relations.
• Provide professional assistance in the development of various publications (brochures, newsletters, information bulletins, annual financial documents) for school and departments.
• Establish annual objectives and conduct internal and external assessments to determine the effectiveness of district and school-level communication programs.
• Utilize and manage digital systems including the district’s auto dialer/notification system and mobile app.
• Participate in regional and statewide school public relations associations such as SC/NSPRA Public Relations Associations such as SC/NSPRA Public Relations Association.
• Maintain appropriate certifications and training hours as required.
• Comply with applicable District, state, local and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level