Communications Specialist - Graphic Designer

WORK DAY: Full-time - 8 hours per day, 260 days per year; 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

LOCATION: Edison Building - Communications

REPORTS TO: Marketing and Communications Administrator

CLASSIFICATION: ROPE, Regular; C-4-1
Based on the 2024-2026 Rochester Operations Professional Employees Work Unit Agreement

ROPE Work Unit Agreement 2024-2026

SALARY: $57,712 (entry level) - $67,484 (prorated based on hire date)

BENEFITS: Benefits available for regular positions working an average of 30 hours per week.
Contact Employee Services @ 507-328-4280 for detailed benefits information. Make sure to reference the exact job posting
If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4253 or email kyhopper@rochesterschools.org

Summary of Job:
Rochester Public Schools is seeking a communications specialist to join the District Communications team. This individual will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the District’s strategic plan through external and internal communications, elevating the district’s brands through impactful design. The ideal candidate will create engaging digital and print materials that communicate the district's and schools’ key messages, lead the district's photography efforts, and translate marketing strategies into clear, visually appealing designs. This role requires creativity and the ability to simplify complex ideas for a range of audiences. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently, quickly, at high quality, and in a collaborative environment, executing multiple projects at the same time.

Qualifications:

• Design visually appealing, branded assets for the district, schools, and programs, including logos, newsletters, brochures, as well as graphics for our websites, social media, flyers, digital ads, and more, from initial concepts to final production, including revisions and final delivery
• Write compelling content for a variety of platforms, including the district and school websites, social media, video scripts, e-newsletters to families, etc.
• Serve as communications liaison for schools/departments, establishing and maintaining relationships with school principals, assistant principals, office managers, and other key staff
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure design consistency and brand alignment
• Lead the district’s photography efforts
• Support design and content of district and school websites
• Collaborate with other members of the communications team on various projects
• May require attendance at evening or weekend meetings or events (5%)
• Maintain a positive and professional presence in all interactions
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit three different graphic design projects developed using Adobe Software.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design, public relations, or related field plus at least two years professional experience related to the position
• OR Associates degree with 3-4 years of experience related to the position
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven experience and strong proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premiere, and Canva, as well as Google Suite
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Experienced writer of compelling content with experience and knowledge in copywriting, editing, and proofreading
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills, working independently and collaboratively to drive forward multiple projects
• Experience in social media management and web design
• Caring teammate who enjoys other humans, and has the ability to work effectively in a consensus-style and collaborative environment that expects and promotes teamwork
• High personal motivation supporting a strong work ethic, flexibility, and creativity

Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.