GLENDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS DESCRIPTION
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Communications Director, performs technical and clerical tasks in support of the District’s comprehensive communications program for both internal and external audiences; performs a wide variety of office and administrative duties by assisting in the planning, organizing, and execution of public/media relations programs, projects and special events; assists in collecting, writing, and disseminating information concerning the programs, activities, and objectives of the District.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A Communications Specialist, performs technical and clerical tasks in support of the District’s comprehensive communications program for both internal and external audiences; performs a wide variety of office and administrative duties by assisting in the planning, organizing, and execution of public/media relations programs, projects and special events; assists in collecting, writing, and disseminating information concerning the programs, activities, and objectives of the District.
The Communications Director, plans, organizes, controls and directs the internal and external communications of the District; consults with the Superintendent, administrators, and District personnel on effective communication practices, including contact with the media and community, serves as a spokesperson for the District, serves as liaison with cable broadcasting channel.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General supervision is provided by the Communications Director.
Assignments may require the direct and indirect supervision of other general clerical positions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Participates in the coordination and implementation of public, employee and media relations strategies at the district level or for a school/program.
Researches, prepares, composes, designs, edits and distributes a variety of materials including, but not limited to press releases, promotional materials, newsletters, correspondence, brochures, advertisements, presentations, posters, guides, directories and web-based documents in support of established communications goals.
Organizes and edits rough draft copy according to accepted rules of style and syntax, researches and compiles information and data and prepares news releases, articles, website content, reports and scripts; verifies facts, dates, and statistics in copy, using standard reference sources; rewrites
text for greater consistency, clarity, and adherence to space limitations and publication.
Monitors and maintains social media activity; posts, monitors and reviews social media messages, pictures, videos and postings from District and school-based social media accounts; researches and adapts to evolving social media platforms; establishes, monitors, and maintains a positive social media presence for the District.
Develops and maintains social media activities for District administration and specific schools/departments; researches and adapts to evolving social media platforms; establishes, monitors, and maintains a positive social media presence.
Performs a variety of complex tasks; assists with the daily operations of the Public Information Office including maintenance of calendar; monitoring of budget and expenditures; purchasing and inventory of supplies and other clerical tasks as assigned; attends meetings as required.
Logs, processes, coordinates and responds to Public Records Act (PRA) requests.
Composes Board reports and assists in the preparation of the Board agenda.
Provides excellent customer service and develops and maintains professional relationships with news media, business representatives, community members, and district staff; responds to phone calls, emails, letters, and other communications.
Photographs, edits and processes digital images in support of communication efforts; catalogs official District images, videos and assorted media, maintains updated media database, files on publications and news releases, and other records.
Assists the Communications Director with news media relations by logging and responding to media inquiries; obtains and provides information in response to requests from staff, administrators, media and the public; supports emergency communication efforts and media management during a crisis situation; arranges and coordinates media interviews as instructed.
Attends and reports on District and school site events and activities as assigned; assists in the planning, organizing, and execution of special events, projects and activities.
Performs related duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the Public Information Office and the District.
CLASS QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of public relations and social media marketing and journalistic ethics and
practices.
Methods and techniques of writing, editing, designing and publishing.
Media relations, which includes print, broadcast and social media.
Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and other software and applications used for publishing electronic and print media.
Current web and social media tools, trends and techniques (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) development and layout.
Mac and Windows operating systems.
Ability to:
Communicate positively and effectively, orally and in writing, with the media, District staff, parents, students and various community partners.
Work cooperatively, collaboratively, efficiently and effectively with other departments, school sites, media and other organizations.
Work confidentially and with discretion.
Work with diverse individuals and/or groups.
Remain flexible, work efficiently and meet deadlines in an office atmosphere of frequent interruptions, multiple priorities and changes in task priority.
Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
Read, write and speak English with sufficient comprehension to perform duties accurately and competently.
Work non-traditional and/or extended hours, including evening and weekend meetings.
Perform clerical and secretarial tasks with independent judgment.
Compile data and prepare reports.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, public relations, marketing, broadcasting or related field and one year experience in journalism, news reporting, public relations, marketing, or other communications-related field including some experience with use of social media, desktop publishing, or videography.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver’s license. Also, ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability and property damage insurance rates, and maintain insurability.
Desirable:
Written and oral proficiency in an additional language.
Other:
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, early mornings and holidays as needed.
Tolerance for stress; working in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive deadlines; ability to work on several tasks with frequent interruptions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment:
Regularly works in an office environment; occasionally outside; will be required to use a personal vehicle in the course of duties; will be required to attend evening meetings and some travel; and may be required to work an irregular schedule. Work environment is generally clean. Noise level is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch to file; seeing to view a computer monitor and read a variety of materials; and hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the phone. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, some outdoor activity and exposure to outside weather conditions. Contact will be required with students, District staff, and the public.
Management Class
Probation - 130 paid service days
Vacation - Accrued
Overtime - When authorized
03/23/2020 - Classification established by the Personnel Commission.
