Communications Specialist

Waterbury Public Schools

JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE
Communications Specialist
DEPARTMENT
Communication
INCUMBENT NAME
Grants

BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATION
Non-Union
REPORTS TO:
Receives direction from the
Director of Communications.
FLSA DESIGNATION
Exempt; 12 Month; Pay Rate $50,000 - $60,000. Note: This is a grant-funded, Non-Union position with benefits that exists as long as funds are available.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; Equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of post-secondary education.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, public information, graphic design or a related field.
3. Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.

1. In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made prior to appointment.

• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in workload;
• Ability to advise on marketing, communications management and public relations programs including planning and preparing media releases and news conferences;
• Ability to analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues; collect relevant information; evaluate realistic options and recommend/implement appropriate course of action;
• Ability to determine story emphasis, gather and verify news information through interviews, observation and research, and present stories/articles suitable for publication;
• Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in the release of information;
• Ability to interpret, apply and explain applicable policies, procedures and laws;
• Ability to interact effectively with all stakeholders;
• Ability to maintain composure during difficult situations;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to demonstrate consistent good judgment, tact and courtesy;
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines;
• Ability to prioritize work, to self-motivate, and to use time effectively;
• Ability to quickly learn new skills;
• Ability to utilize computer software;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a cooperative environment, with great attention to detail;
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Basic knowledge of relevant laws (e.g. copyright), basic principles and practices of public agency budgeting, archiving, archiving, recordkeeping and reporting, applicable City policies and practices;
• Communication and customer service skills sufficient to deal effectively with the public, vendors, and staff, sign written and/or verbal communication;
• Excellent verbal, written, graphic design and interpersonal communication silks including an ability to effectively present information and engage diverse audiences;
• Experience with analytics for various social media platforms;
• Experience with Canva, video editing programs and social media channels;
• Experience with communications and media consisting of communication and dissemination techniques and methods. Includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral and visual media;
• Experience with Customer Service consisting of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction;
• Experience with Sales and Marketing including principles and methods for marketing and promotions;
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology;
• Possess problem-solving skills;
• Proficiency in the English Language including structure and content, word usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation;
• Skills to establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping and tracking systems;
• Strong organizational, planning and project management skills;
• Strong proofreading and editing skills;
• Substantial administrative and technical work experience;
• Time, project management and problem-solving skills;
• Understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions;
• Working knowledge of various software programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe software, e-mail marketing systems and social media platforms operating in a Windows environment;

• Appropriately answers and refers questions or issues beyond the scope of expertise to the Director of Communications;
• Assists Director of Communications in developing communication and marketing materials;
• Collaborates with others in the organization to achieve brand consistency, content and message coordination and the highest standards for internal and external communications;
• Coordinates cross-departmental communications;
• Coordinates media conferences and arranges operational specifics for conferences;
• Coordinates with Communication Assistant on various video productions;
• Creates editorial calendars per school and communications story plans to the Director of Communications;
• Creates social cards, flyers, videos and marketing assets that will be displayed on various Waterbury Public Schools platforms alongside Communications Assistant;
• Designs and implements communications programs and plans that promote the vision, goals, activities and positive image of Waterbury students, staff, business community and community leaders;
• Develops marketing strategies to effectively promote Waterbury Public Schools projects/programs while educating the public on events/programs;
• Develops messages appropriate for a wide variety of subjects and diverse audiences;
• Ensures accuracy of information and quality control over outgoing products;
• Frequent and direct contact with school principals, vice principal and staff;
• Frequent contact with Board of Education staff and becoming the liaison for stories and events occurring on all school levels;
• Implements annual communication goals including objectives, strategies and activities at the direction of the Director of Communications;
• Maintains records and files via Google doc/drives and Canva;
• Maintains sufficient understanding of multimedia production techniques to support the work of City staff;
• Manages the City’s photo and design archives;
• Manages website changes, edits and content alongside the Communications Assistant;
• Oversees and develops the production and distribution of a variety of information and marketing materials such as: Superintendent video(s), internal and external flyers, communications provided to new students/parents;

• Performs various research support functions;
• Prepare and disseminates new releases regarding Waterbury Public Schools events, services and news;
• Prepares and drafts social media blurbs alongside Communications Assistant;
• Promotes a positive and professional image of Waterbury Public Schools by being knowledgeable about district programs, news and events;
• Provides media relations assistance to the Director of Communications as a liaison as requested;
• Provide significant support services to others both within and outside of the department that substantially influences decision-making processes;
• Refers media requests for information to an appropriate spokesperson or information source;
• Supports the marketing and promotion of the City of Waterbury and each Public School within the District;
• Writes and edits key internal and external communication materials using a style that is engaging, concise and appropriate in tone for the organization/audiences;
• Performs related duties as required by the Director of Communication or the Superintendent.