Community Relations Specialist presso School District of Clayton

The School District of Clayton is seeking a Community Relations Specialist to assist with internal and external communication efforts. This position is ideal for someone looking to grow their skills in school communications, event coordination and community engagement while contributing to the District’s mission. The Community Relations Specialist will assist with a variety of communication and engagement projects, including coordinating recognition and fundraising events, preparing digital newsletters, updating website and social media content, and supporting staff and parent communication initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative and comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

REPORTS TO: Chief Communications Officer

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Event Planning & Coordination

• Plan, organize and manage all aspects of MayFair, the District’s employee recognition program, and support the Clayton Education Foundation fundraisers and programs.
• Oversee event logistics from start to finish, including invitations, RSVPs, setup, programs, awards, and on-site support.
  
  

Communications & Content Development

• Develop, write and distribute electronic newsletters for internal and external audiences.
• Design graphics and publications; oversee preparation and distribution of printed communications to households.
• Serve as a key communicator by identifying impactful stories and producing engaging content such as feature articles and digital content.
• Manage schedule and create content for the District’s social media platforms.
• Take photographs at District events and assist with coordinating freelance photography and videography services as needed.

Program Support — OASIS Tutoring

• Maintain the tutor database and ensure all tutors complete required training.
• Manage inventory and coordinate book and supply orders with OASIS.
• Respond to tutor inquiries via phone and email; coordinate and attend trainings, monthly meetings and the annual luncheon.
• Create and distribute a monthly tutor newsletter.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Support

• Assist school PTOs and the PTO Council with communication strategies, event planning and fundraising messaging.
• Send PTO email communications as needed.
• Support PTO users with the management of their school PTO websites. 
• Schedule and attend quarterly PTO Council meetings.

Administrative Support

• Process purchase orders and vouchers for the Communications Department and the Clayton Education Foundation
• Process monthly Visa statements and assist with monitoring department budgets.
• Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes and manage room setup for designated groups.
• Provide administrative support to various parent and staff committees.
• Respond to patron and community requests for information in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – Required qualifications to effectively perform job. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in journalism, media relations, public affairs or school PR.
• Exceptional written, verbal and visual communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Ability to write, edit and produce professional content on deadline using AP Style.
• Ability to create engaging visual materials using Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools.
• Excellent customer service skills in working with students, families, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Ability to solve problems and initiate creative solutions.
• Ability to operate standard office and classroom equipment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Requires occasional movements of objects weighing up to 20 pounds around the workspace.
• Requires daily travel to multiple work sites within the District using reliable, personal transportation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels.

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.

Experience:  3+ years of progressive experience in journalism, media relations, public affairs or school PR.

Compensation:  $48,000 - $68,000

Benefits:  Comprehensive benefits package

FLSA status: Exempt

Work Calendar: 12-month position

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 24. Screening interviews are scheduled for the week of Oct. 27. The position is available for immediate hire.

Please understand that in order to be considered as a candidate you must complete all steps in the application process. These steps include completing the online application, uploading your cover letter and resume, and providing three current references.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the School District of Clayton not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law, in its programs or employment practices as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Full Non-Discrimination Disclosure