] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → SPECIALIST, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Specialist, Department of Communications

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Specialist CODE: 0652 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Specialist, Department of Communications GRADE: M MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, assists the director of communications in managing the daily activities of the Department of Communications, and serving as a spokesperson for the school system and as a member of the superintendent's communications team. Provides assistance to the superintendent, senior staff, principals, and individual schools in effective internal and external communication strategies. Develops and implements strategies to improve employee, parent, and community understanding of school system policies, procedures, programs, resources, initiatives, and performance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of organizational communications, public relations, and journalism related to the administration and operation of schools and school systems; the implementation of public policy; and the involvement of employees, parents, students, community and civic leaders, and the general public in the educational enterprise. Demonstrated ability to handle complicated communication issues, involving multiple audiences, critical deadlines, and intricate logistical planning; to work effectively with the news media; to write and speak clearly and concisely about complex topics including curriculum, assessment, budget, construction, legal issues, regulations, and public policies, often under pressure; to interact with senior staff, principals, departmental staff, community groups, parents, and elected officials working collegially with others, and effectively conduct large and small group meetings. Excellent interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in a communications or related field from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred. Extensive experience in news media relations, organizational communications, public relations, community relations, and crisis communications. Extensive experience in handling news media inquiries and responding as a spokesperson, under deadline and during emergency situations. Extensive experience in publication and report writing, editing, and design; script writing and television program development, including on-camera presentation; speech writing; and general correspondence writing. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to work evenings and beyond a normal work week when required to do so.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists the director in administering all functions of the department, including representing the superintendent and the school system as a spokesperson for media inquiries and events.

Provides leadership in the management of new and continuing projects, publications, programs, and activities, as part of the overall functions and strategies of the department.

Initiates, plans, and orchestrates press conferences and other media events to publicize school system policies, procedures, programs, resources, initiatives, and performance.

Researches, writes, and disseminates original media announcements on a variety of topics; and works with reporters and editors for timely coverage in print and electronic media.

Produces and presents a weekly cable television news and information program on school system policies, programs, events, and activities.

Develops, implements, and supervises an annual graduate-level internship program with area universities to acquire assistance in organizational communications and public relations.

Provides leadership and assistance in the development of communication strategies specifically designed to assist the programs and activities of the Office of Instruction and Program Development and the Office of Student and Community Services.

Responds to Freedom of Information inquiries and other requests for information.

Participates in the weekly meeting of the Chief of Staff and the executive staff assistants.

Performs other duties as required.
Class Established: 7/01
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.