Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Director, the Board Communications Specialist is responsible for identifying and coordinating marketing communications and outreach opportunities in support of the Board of Education Office’s overall mission. The incumbent of this position performs duties essential to the overall daily support of the Board’s strategic communication plan. The Board Communications Specialist has the responsibility for cultivating relationships with various stakeholder groups and assisting with specialized publications. Work involves considerable knowledge of the school system’s organization, policies, regulations, and an ability to exercise tact and sound judgment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Creates, delivers and edits compelling content for digital campaigns, brochures, press releases, newsletters, blog posts and other marketing materials;
- Manages the creation of the Board’s communications templates and other visual materials;
- Identifies, evaluates and executes opportunities to increase the visibility of Prince George’s County Board of Education (PGBOE) amongst key stakeholders;
- Works in tandem with the Director of the Board of Education Office and Board leadership to develop and implement a strategic communication plan, aligned with PGCBOE’s mission, vision and goals, to enhance the Board’s image and “brand” while imparting public information in a transparent manner;
- Develops and updates key internal and external communications, presentations, fact sheets and messages (in various multi-media formats) for the Board office and other key officials to use as needed to highlight the exemplary work and achievements of the school system as the opportunity to use them arises, often with short notice;
- Creates and implements a marketing program, including PSAs and press relaeases that enhance the Board’s image in the eyes of the public, elected officials and the community;
- Considers, from time to time, the efficacy of polls, surveys and other instruments to gauge the sentiment of staff, students and/or parents and their usefulness in supporting the school system’s approach to issues and programs
- Assists in the planning and execution of other team and organizational priorities as needed, including public relations and community events; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge of and experience with print, broadcast and digital media;
- Highly-organized; experienced in managing production and workflow;
- Proven skills in public relations program management, research, planning, communication, marketing and evaluation;
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills, human relations skills and technical skills;
- Demonstrated skill in respectful and sensitive communication with people at all levels within an organization who are diverse in their cultures, language groups and abilities;
- Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multitask and meet deadlines;
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking and judgement skills;
- Ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining sensitive and confidential communication;
- Ability to work independently in a variety of situations often requiring extensive contact with local public leaders, local media representatives, community members and special interest groups;
- Ability to think boldly and innovatively with the ability to develop and enact new ideas; and
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional work relationships with other school officials, representatives of the county government and the general public.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of communications in the public and/or private sector required; experience in school system communications preferred.
Certification:
None required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Provides guidance and direction to assigned personnel.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands 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 the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
Due to the nature of the position, work may be required outside of normal business hours, evenings and weekends. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
This is a confidential position, not represented by a bargaining unit. Evening and weekend work required.
