Communications Specialist

Position Description SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION Position Title: Communications Specialist Department / Building: Communications Reports To: Director of Communications FLSA Status: EXEMPT Position Classification: Unaffiliated Bargaining Unit: Unaffiliated Duty Year: 12 month Revision Date: 8.2026 SECTION II: JOB SUMMARY Provide support to the district's Director of Communications by advancing the district's mission, values and goals through effective communications. Assist with continuously improving the district's electronic communications, print materials, video content and other methods of community outreach. SECTION III: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Duty/Responsibility #1 50% of time Electronic Communications Tasks involved in fulfilling above duty/responsibility: Strategically manage the district social media accounts, using analytics to improve engagement and effectiveness; recommend new uses, channels or ways of sharing district stories on social media Maintain and improve the district website to ensure alignment to district brand, communications goals and accessibility standards Support schools, programs and departments in their use of websites and social media, including providing training and ensuring use of district brand Manage the district's mass communications service, including e-newsletters; provide training to staff on the effective use of the service. Duty/Responsibility #2 30% of time Content Creation Tasks involved in fulfilling above duty/responsibility: Plan and create content in coordination with the communications team, including written stories, video, print publications, social media, audio, etc. Proactively seek opportunities to create and share stories about district programs, staff, students and families, especially through creative and engaging social media Work with internal partners to plan and create relevant and timely content for staff, families and students Edit and proofread materials for clarity, consistency and accuracy Duty/Responsibility #3 15% of time Departmental Support Tasks involved in fulfilling above duty/responsibility: Support planning and execution of community engagement and public relations events Support in implementing strategic marketing and communications plans as directed Provide technical communications support, including writing, photography, videography and design Other duties as assigned Duty/Responsibility #4 5% of time Professional Development Tasks involved in fulfilling above duty/responsibility: Attend meetings, in-services and workshops Maintain active membership in a professional organization Perform other duties as assigned or requested. SECTION IV: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS Education: BA degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field Qualifications: Valid MN Driver's License without restrictions Experience: 2 or more years of experience in marketing, public relations, and communication processes and techniques Experience in school public relations preferred. Essential skills required to perform the work: Required Skills: Creative thinker, problem solver, and storyteller Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills Advanced knowledge and experience in web management, social media management, and ability to embrace new tools and opportunities Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals (internal and external partners) Ability to organize and establish priorities independently in an environment with multiple demands Preferred Skills: Above average skills using Adobe Creative Cloud software Experience with Finalsite content management system Experience with ParentSquare mass notification system SECTION V: PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS The physical job requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions. Demands N = never / O = occasionally (1-33%) / F = Frequently (34-66%) / C = Consistently (67- 100%) Physical Lifting/Carrying Exposure to Environmental Standing F Up to 10 pounds C Possible exposure to blood- borne pathogens through body and/or body fluids O Walking F Up to 25 pounds F Toxic chemicals N Sitting F Up to 50 pounds N Moving parts N Talking in person/on the phone F Up to 75 pounds N Electrical shock risk N Pushing/pulling O Up to 100 pounds N Explosives N Hearing F More than 100 pounds N Fumes N Feeling, grasping, finger dexterity C Noise Levels Extreme cold (non-weather) N Climbing, balancing O Quiet (i.e. private office) F Extreme heat (non-weather) N Stooping (bend at waist) O Moderate noise (i.e. business office with printers, light traffic) F Varying weather conditions O Crouching, crawling, kneeling, squatting O Loud noise (i.e. many children laughing and playing, large earth moving equipment) O Sight Stretching/reaching with hands and arms O Very loud noise (i.e. jack hammer, front row rock concert) N Vision for close work/ability to adjust focus O Distinguishing smell O Looking at computer monitor F Distinguishing temperature O Color vision (identify and distinguish colors) F Traveling by automobile O Peripheral, depth perception F SECTION VI: STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND JOB PERFORMANCE Performance of Duties: Employees must faithfully perform, at a professional level of competence, the services and duties prescribed by the district, regardless of whether such duties are specifically described in this policy, in a job description, in a notice of assignment, or in another document. Prompt and regular attendance is an essential function of each employee's job. Employees must also comply with all lawful directives issued by the Superintendent or by any other individual with supervisory authority. In addition, employees must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and with all rules, regulations, and policies established by the district. Employees may not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate in any action or conduct which conflicts in any respect with the interests of the district. Toward that end, employees may not engage or participate in any action or conduct that is inconsistent with their job duties, the basic educational mission of the district, or the desired image of the district.