Hourly Internal and External Communication Specialist bei Stafford County Public Schools

Job Title:           Hourly Internal and External Communication Specialist

Location:         Office of Communications

Pay Grade:       Hourly

Work Calendar: As Needed

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position supports the school division’s internal and external communication, engagement, and outreach efforts as needed by assisting with the day-to-day maintenance of communication tools and platforms. The Internal and External Communications Specialist helps carry out activities that keep staff, families, and the school community informed, engaged, and connected.

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director of Digital Communication, the Communications Specialist assists with implementing communication and outreach plans, supporting team projects, and maintaining consistent messaging across digital platforms. Responsibilities include providing support for newsletters, websites, social media content, engagement events, and other materials, as well as helping to coordinate updates and tasks among team members.

This role is ideal for someone with strong communication and organizational skills who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and contributing to clear, effective communication and community engagement throughout the division.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support Internal and External Communications Initiatives

• Support implementation of communication and engagement plans for school division initiatives, events, and outreach campaigns.
• Create and edit high-quality content for newsletters, websites, social media, speeches, talking points, and event materials following AP style and internal guidelines.
• Align messaging and storytelling efforts across digital platforms, print, video, and community engagement channels in partnership with schools and departments.
• Assist with the planning, promotion, and coordination of events to foster community involvement and increase participation.
• Utilize social media trends and digital tools to enhance interactive storytelling, outreach, and real-time event promotion.
• Track engagement and event outcomes to support continuous improvement of communication and outreach strategies.

Support and demonstrate core values of Stafford Schools

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Respond to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance, appropriate to position.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Comply with all District and School policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework or certifications related to clerical duties preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, customer service, or a related support role

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge
  • Appropriate professional English grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and publication
  • Google Workspace applications including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Meet, and Google Chat
  • Design applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign) and Canva
  • Accessibility standards such as ADA, Section 508, and WCAG (basic understanding)
  • Basic content strategy for engagement
• Skills
  • Written communication for emails, memos, web content, and newsletters
  • Proofreading and editing of simple documents for clarity and correctness
  • Customer service and interpersonal communication with diverse audiences
  • File management and document organization (both electronic and paper)
  • Task prioritization and time management in fast-paced settings
• Abilities
  • Communicate clearly and courteously with staff, families, and the public
  • Follow oral and written instructions accurately
  • Remain calm and professional during time-sensitive or crisis situations
  • Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all communications
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals
  • Organize and perform work independently
  • Meet deadlines for all work even when working on multiple projects
  • Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment is inside, with moderate noise, temperatures that are controlled, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements.
• The work is light work, requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force to move or lift objects.
• The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job:
  • Standing for prolonged periods
  • Sitting for prolonged periods
  • Repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, or fingers
  • Ability to feel, grasp, or hold objects by hand
  • Discernment of colors visually
  • Discernment of letters or numbers
  • Understanding and communicating in spoken language
  • Understanding and communicating in written language
  • Perception of sounds
  • Making decisions using logic and rational thinking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, 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, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description.