Position Title: Communications and Public Relations Coordinator
Reports to: Superintendent
Terms of Employment: 12-months/247-days
FLSA: Exempt
Salary: Placement on the Coordinator Scale based on Qualifications & Experience
Persons in this position may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification. Still, it is intended to reflect the principal elements of the job accurately.
Position Description:
The Communications and Public Relations Coordinator is responsible for leading the creation and implementation of community and public relations initiatives to tell the story of Westfield Washington Schools. This district leader is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive two-way communication process involving both internal and external stakeholders, with the goal of clear, transparent communication that facilitates a better understanding of the message. Communications must be crafted within the context of the school district's role and interests, based on the WWS Guiding Principles.
This position requires a combination of background, skills, and expertise in writing, video, photography, infographics, graphic design, and public speaking. Responsibilities will include producing and coordinating press releases, newsletters, social media, and website content. This district leader will work closely with local and area professional print and broadcast media organizations. In addition to the duties noted, they must collaborate with all divisions within the organization and serve as a valuable resource. Finally, this district leader will be responsible for coordinating emergency communications with the WWS Leadership Team.
Essential Functions:
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Oversight of all aspects of district publications, including external and internal communications
Media relations and coverage of Westfield Washington Schools
Revise and implement the comprehensive communications plan for the district
Promote the district’s strengths/achievements
Provide communications leadership in crisis situations
Provide necessary support for the meetings and communication needs of the WWS Board of School Trustees
Oversight of recognition programs for employees and students
Support and promote the development of collaborative initiatives between the schools, families, city, and community
Monitor print and media content, including social media, related to Westfield Washington Schools
Promote the WWS visual brand and the Shamrock Experience in communications, publications, community, and media interactions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with WWS students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders
Act as a liaison between the Office of the Superintendent to staff and the public
Performs other duties deemed appropriate and assigned by the Superintendent
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in an area relevant to coordinating and directing school/community relations, such as public relations, mass communication, journalism, or equivalent education and experience
Working knowledge of internal and external communication strategies
Mastery of communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
Proficiency with current technology for performance of duties, including graphic design, social media, website maintenance and design, video creation and editing, and publication/print software
Experience in family engagement, including strategy, process, planning, and family engagement events
Professional experience in collaborative school/families/community programming and networking
Personal and Professional Responsibilities:
Support the philosophy and vision of Westfield Washington Schools
Create positive relationships with staff and administrators
Demonstrate respect for supervisors, subordinates, and peers
Display courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members
Demonstrate ability to deal with sensitive issues tactfully and maintain confidentiality
Work as part of a team
React to change productively
Physical and Mental Efforts:
Duties are performed in a general office environment and the majority of responsibilities are sedentary in nature; may be subjected to frequent interruption, along with consistent and changing deadlines; frequently required to sit, stand, and walk; frequently required to talk and hear; requires ability to utilize standard office equipment including phone and computer and copy machine; frequently requires visual acuity for close vision, color vision and depth perception; occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Regular Work Hours/Travel Requirements:
Irregular work hours, as necessary, to complete administrative responsibilities
Minimal travel required. Some travel between district buildings
Westfield Washington Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations are made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as required by law.
