CLOVIS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT	POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:

Department/Site:

Reports to/Evaluated by:

Communication Specialist

Communications

Chief Communications Officer

FLSA:

Salary Grade:

Salary Schedule:

Non-Exempt

121

Classified

SUMMARY

Assists in planning, organizing and coordinating the District’s program of public relations and communications. Assists in coordination and distribution of information to District employees, parents, the public and the media regarding District programs, policies, events and initiatives. Coordinates the publishing of CUSD Today and other District communication materials and community publications.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under	the	direction	of	the	Chief	Communications	Office, r independently	plans	and coordinates the communications for the District, which includes, but is not limited to, producing the District newspaper (CUSD Today), implementing the District's social media strategy, writing news releases and stories, coordinating media events, and producing community publicationsT.he position     also	coordinates      the	Crystal	Awards,      CUSD's	employee	awards      program. Operates in a fast-paced office environment, focused on meeting multiple deadlines and schedules. Involves a high level of contact with District employees, parents, the public and the media.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

•	 Coordinates production of the District newspaper, CUSD Today, including but not limited to, story assignments, pre-press production and press-to-home delivery.

•	Writes articles and edits copy for CUSD Today.

•	 Serves as liaison to each school and department in order to gather information for news releases, media opportunity calendars and articles for CUSD Today.

•	 Assists with maintaining current District information in all communication channels (online, print, broadcast, etc).

•	 Assists with preparing news releases and public service announcements and distribution to all media outlets, and on execution of media events.

•	 Assists the Chief Communications Officer in developing and maintaining positive media relations.

•	 Receives and responds to inquiries for information from parents, media and the community at large.

•	Serves as the District historian for both broadcast and print media.	1

Communications Specialist Board Approved 7-01-13

•	Coordinates District social media strategy.

•	Assists in the maintenance of the CUSD news bureau to disseminate information to internal and external online, print, radio and broadcast outlets.

•	Assists in planning and coordinating a comprehensive communication/marketing plan.

•	Assists with the District’s employee recognition programs including, but not limited to, Crystal Awards and New Employee Receptions.

•	Assists with District events that are coordinated by the Communications Department.

•	Prepares and coordinates the development of cmoumnity publications of all kinds.

•	Prepares printed communication and informational material for District employees.

•	Assists the Chief Communications Officer in implementation of the District’s Crisis Communication Plan.

•	Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills: Strong writing and editing skills; knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; knowledge of techniques for the writing and preparation of news releases, promotional brochures and other informational materials; knowledge and experience in journalistic principles and newspaper writing; knowledge of specialized software; knowledge of social media best practices and various platforms; understanding of the principles of effective public relations and communication.

Abilities:	Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintains confidentiality of District information; establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships	with	others;	prepares	oral	presentations;	meets	schedules and	timelines;	works	independently with little direction; reads, interprets, applies and explains rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; uses personal computer and media-related software; uses tact and courtesy with others.

Physical Abilities:	Sitting for extended periods of time; hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; seeing to read a variety of materials.

Education and Experience:	BA degree or equivalent with emphasis in journalism and/ or communication. A minimum of three years experience in the field of journalism/ communication, public relations, education, or print/electronic media is required.

Communications Specialist	2 Board Approved 7-01-13