Assistant Director and Communications Specialist

Department of Communications and Public Relations

Purpose Statement:

The job of Assistant Director and Communications Specialist entails generating a climate of understanding in the community regarding the District's efforts to provide each student with the best possible education in an increasingly complex, diverse, and sophisticated world; coordinating with the public relations specialist; responding positively to students, staff, administrators, parents, community and the media; director of communications and administration; and serving as a resource to school sites and district staff.

This job reports to Director of Communications and Public Relations.

Essential Functions

• Provides guidance to the department at the direction of the director of communications and public relations.

• Assists director of communications with supporting the district’s public relations and communications activities, produces district wide publications and web sites and coordinates media and community relations events.

• Assists with developing, implementing, documenting and maintaining the district’s internet and intranet applications, webpages and sites.

• Assists video communication specialist (e.g. planning and production of video programming, ) for the purpose of providing professional, articulate support to the District cable channel and other various video projects.

• Attends meeting and/or seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

• Collaborates with the director of communication and public relations and team members (e.g. with news media and other public interest groups, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective departmental communication, interaction, and daily operations.

• Leads District fundraising campaigns (e.g. United Way, American Heart Association, ) for the purpose of providing necessary implementation of effective fundraising.

• Maintains open lines of communication with all community organizations for the purpose of providing prompt responses to requests for public information about Hazelwood School District, its policies and

• Manages a variety of processes (e.g. taking pictures of district and school activities; retaining materials for marketing effectiveness; overseeing updated database of media contacts, photos, press releases, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective District communication with all stakeholders.

• Plans special events and programs (e.g. volunteer dinner, PTA Scholarship, staff awards, teacher appreciation, ) for the purpose of ensuring optimal implementation of District activities and programs.

• Provides professional writing skills (e.g. media releases, brochure development, newsletters, District web site, HSD social Media channels, ) for the purpose of ensuring professional, accurate communication regarding all aspects of District activities, events, awards, academic courses and other District news.

• Researches information and professional practices (e.g. trends, news items, District policies, events, program components and techniques, ) for the purpose of providing current, accurate dissemination of District information.

• Responds to inquiries of staff, the public, parents and/or students for the purpose of providing information and/or direction.

• Serves as information liaison (e.g. between the school district and the community at large, and to all school sites in the District, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of information and/or materials and delivering District information in a variety of formats.

• Coordinates the district’s ambassador program.

• Supports the Director of Communication for the purpose of maintaining effective district

Marginal Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent computer applications; operating digital and analog video editing systems; creating broadcast-quality video presentations; basic principles of communication, photography, basic graphic design; optimal presentation skills; effective customer service and interpersonal skills; demonstrating strong customer service and people skills; and operating equipment used in audio/video production and editing.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include working knowledge of electronics and personal computers; marketing techniques, concepts of television video production, Hazelwood School District marketing processes and protocols, codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; and current and emerging technology.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events, often gather, collate, and/or classify data, and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances, work with data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work environment and/or priorities, working effectively under pressure and tight deadlines, multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, working as member of a team; making sound decisions; solving problems; creatively assessing best practices; providing energetic, enthusiastic approach to work priorities, working within time constraints; adhering to safety practices, and working as part of a team.

Responsibility

This position will require evening and weekend work.  Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

This is an in-person position, and there is not a work from home option. The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education (Minimum): Bachelors degree in a job-related area.

Required Testing                                                                Certificates and Licenses

None Specified                                                                     None Specified

Continuing Educ. / Training                                               Clearances

None Specified                                                                     None Specified

FLSA Status                                                                                    

Non Exempt