Communications Specialist - 1.0 (Multiple positions)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.

JOB SUMMARY

To ensure communications and public relations matters are efficiently and effectively reported to staff, employees, students, and the community of the Fayette County Public Schools. Assists the director and communications team in planning and executing strategic internal and external communications that convey the priorities, diversity, and brand of the district.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages the district’s internal and mass communication efforts in alignment with district priorities and branding.
• Analyzes data, identify trends in stakeholder interactions, and plan digital or print campaigns to expand online presence and increase positive engagement.
• Writes and edits copy including newsletters and email, talking points, presentations, website features, stories, media releases, marketing collateral, and other public-facing communications. Attention to meeting deadlines is a must.
• Assists in the planning and coordination of district initiatives and events; attend and photograph events and school programs for the district website, social media, and/or news media coverage.
• Plan and implement activities, projects, and programs designed to improve school, family, and community engagement. This will include the need to have a working knowledge of Qualtrics or other survey tools and platforms.
• Collaborates with the communications team, translators, school administrators, and other communications team members to ensure consistency in messaging and branding across numerous platforms and in multiple languages as needed.
• Acts as the primary point of contact and project manager for identified projects, managing timelines, resources, and completion for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Maintains confidential information and exercise sound judgment when communicating with stakeholders.
• Interacts tactfully and effectively with FCPS personnel, leaders, external organizations, and the public.
• Establishes and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.  
• Plans and organizes work and meet schedules and deadlines. Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular attendance.

• Experience with e-newsletters and various mass communication systems required (Constant Contact, Smore, or experience using similar systems for email and mass communication.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Crisis communication experience preferred.  
• Social media management experience for an organization or business is not required but is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Content Management Systems (CMS) or experience with website management tools is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of public school system operations, policies, and programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Google Suite.
• Ability to work independently and with a team, strong organization, and planning skills.
• Knowledge or working experience with graphic design using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite is strongly preferred but is not required.
• Have a working knowledge of Qualtrics or other survey tools and platforms.
• Analyze technical educational material and present it in easy-to-understand formats for general audience.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with FCPS personnel, external organizations and the general public.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and desktop publishing.
• Maintain confidential information appropriately and exercise good judgment when communicating to the public.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Plan and organize work.
• Meet schedules and timelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. (required)
• Minimum of 5 years of applicable professional communications experience, including writing and editing copy for a wide variety of public-facing communications. (preferred)

Licenses or Certifications:

• N/A

Special Requirements:
N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull light weights, up to 30 pounds.

The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.