Job Details

Communications Specialist

Job Description:

If seeing this posting on a job site, please apply here: https://fortsmithschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist FLSA: Exempt REPORTS TO: Director of Communications TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 240 days with benefits and specified in employee contract. QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Proven experience in communications, public relations, or a related role, preferably in an educational or public sector setting.
• Strong writing (strategic communications storytelling), editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt writing style for different audiences.
• Proficiency in social media management and content creation.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools and software.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic video shooting and editing tools (iPhone and Adobe Products).
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Generate written, visual, and multimedia content for district publications, websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and press releases.
• Create stories, articles, and announcements that highlight student achievements, staff accomplishments, educational programs, and other district-related news.
• Manage the district's social media accounts, including posting regular updates, responding to comments and messages, and fostering engagement.
• Develop social media campaigns to promote events, initiatives, and important announcements.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local media outlets, journalists, and reporters.
• Draft press releases, manage media inquiries, and coordinate interviews to ensure accurate and timely coverage of district activities.
• Update and maintain the district's website with relevant and up-to-date content, ensuring user-friendly navigation and accessibility.
• Monitor website and social media analytics to track engagement and make data-driven improvements.
• Collaborate with district departments to gather information and ensure accurate representation of programs, events, and announcements.
• Facilitate communication between different departments to ensure consistent messaging.
• Organize and promote events that foster community involvement and engagement with the school district.
• Attend board of education meetings, community meetings, and other events to maintain a strong connection between the district and its stakeholders.
• Develop crisis communication plans and strategies to address potential issues or emergencies and maintain transparency during challenging situations.
• Create visually appealing graphics, infographics, and promotional materials that effectively convey information and messages.
• Ensure consistency in branding and messaging across all communication channels, maintaining the district's identity and reputation.
• Perform a variety of routine clerical tasks, including processing invoices and requisitions.
• Other duties as assigned.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains prompt and regular attendance and demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
• May be required to physically move students or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or  the shoulders, bending, squatting.

See Classified Staff Salary Schedule  

Skills Needed:

• Written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Copywriting for web and social
• AP style for press releases
• Keyboarding proficiency
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines

 

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Proven experience in communications, public relations, or a related role, preferably in an educational or public sector setting.
• Strong writing (strategic communications storytelling), editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt writing style for different audiences.
• Proficiency in social media management and content creation.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools and software.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic video shooting and editing tools (iPhone and Adobe Products).
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.