Position Title: Communications Specialist
Classification: RSSSA
Position Range: Range 6 (215)
Reports To: Director of Communications
Supervises: Staff engaged in communications-directed activities, including school communications liaisons, as assigned
Position Goal: Creates compelling written and digital content designed to effectively inspire others and communicate information in alignment with the District's mission and strategic plan. Assists with the management of Reading School District communication platforms to assist in the distribution of information to parents/families, school personnel, students, and the community-at-large. Assists with district communication programs and activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Create video, photographic, and graphic content to support the District's communications initiatives. Blend technical skills with a creative eye to develop video content, including but not limited to District events and activities.
• Edit and produce final-form video and photo content for use in various applications, including websites, digital content, social media platforms, internal email newsletters, etc. Apply special effects, motion graphics, retouching, and typographic overlays as needed.
• Provide communications and social media support for the Communications Department for various projects.
• Working with District videographer, coordinate video shoots within the District.
• Working with internal and external photographers to coordinate photo shoots within the District.
• Maintain the Communication Department's photo and video library.
• Stay up-to-date on social media, multimedia, and communication trends and styles.
• Supervises and updates on a regular schedule assigned communication platforms (online, video, social media, publications).
• Provides assistance to maintain website format and navigation to ensure continuity and standardization. Perform regular checks of website to ensure accuracy, content consistency, and proper navigation flow. Must be knowledgeable of ADA Compliance standards.
• Evaluates, tracks, and reports usage of the district communication mediums, and recommends improvements to existing platforms for increased effectiveness.
• Manages creation of content for publication, following up with departments on content deadlines and annual/regular updates and revising content before finalizing for publication.
• Assists with the selection of content for district storytelling (e-newsletter, emails, newsletters, online, video, reports, etc.).
• Assists in the implementation of district communication goals.
• Supports building staff with the use of Apptegy, Class Intercom, and social media platforms.
  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education And/Or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field
• Three years experience in creating communications for a wide variety of audiences and managing communications platforms.
• Proficiency in common communications technology including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, digital photography, video production, social networking tools.
• Experience in and/or experience covering the education sector is highly desirable.
  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation
  

Other Skills And Abilities

• Exemplary writing, speaking, editing, photography, video and news reporting skills; including the use of computer software for publishing and editing.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrative positive attitude, and ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate in concise manner effectively to diverse audiences
• Ability to manage complex communication projects, involving multiple sites and diverse audience
• Ability to work successfully under pressure and handle multiple and changing priorities and requests from a wide variety of sources, with attention to detail and deadlines
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups in a variety of settings with persons of diverse backgrounds, experiences and agendas
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish/English preferred
  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time (12-month) non-exempt position. Salary and benefits consistent with the District's approved Compensation and Benefits Plan and/or individual contract.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.
The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the Department of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.
The Reading School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational, and service organization.