] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST II, BOARD OF EDUCATION

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Communications Specialist II, Board of Education

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Communications Specialist II CODE: 5501 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Specialist II, Board of Education GRADE: 24 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the chief of staff, Board of Education (BOE), the communications specialist II, BOE position (BOE communications specialist) plans, organizes, and implements the BOE's communications plan and priorities including, outreach initiatives, branding, social media campaigns and other outreach focused on engaging the MCPS community and stakeholders. Represents the BOE in districtwide meetings/projects relative to communications strategies, initiatives and outreach. Maintains knowledge of communication trends and methods through research, analysis and benchmarking with other school districts. Collaborates with the MCPS Office of Public Information in matters relevant to the BOE. Work includes establishing and maintaining relationships with MCPS offices, the community and other stakeholders as assigned. Applies skill and artistic judgment in creating, writing, editing, reviewing, and modifying content. Develops letters, notices and newsletters, along with creating and maintaining web pages. Is fluent and proficient in analytics across social platforms and webpages. Supports the chief of staff and BOE members with communications matters as needed and assigned in areas related to informational requests, crisis communications, as well as work in support of the overall short and long-term goals of the BOE.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Full professional proficiency in English. Excellent public relations, interpersonal, human relations, oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of and ability to maintain collaborative relationships within the community, including media, local government, community organizations and community individuals; ability to work and plan both independently and collaboratively while completing assignments in a timely and efficient manner, frequently under pressure and deadline requirements, and during crisis events. Knowledge of publication design, editing, and production. Knowledge of and ability to use website and social media content management system, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Skilled at handling multiple projects and reacting quickly to communications needs. The ability to develop materials and communication tools that enable a clear and consistent message to be disseminated. The ability to utilize multiple communication mediums to disseminate and convey information to diverse stakeholder groups. Bi-lingual or multi-lingual candidates preferred.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree required, with preference given to communications, media, journalism, public relations and related majors. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of four years of experience in communications or related field. Successful experience writing, scriptwriting, and editing. Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience, which provide 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.)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Overtime may be required to meet deadlines. Occasional evening and weekend events. Some local travel required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office or every day.)

1. Serves as a representative of the BOE for MCPS offices, the community and other stakeholders in communications-related matters.

2. Assesses need for, plans, creates, coordinates and evaluates communication strategies, tactics and channels to improve outreach, communications and transparency, with particular emphasis on creating/maintaining a positive image and branding for the BOE.

3. Leads and manages training of office staff and Board members on best practices relative to communication, social media and related technology.

4. Works collaboratively with the Office of Public Information to ensure consistent, cohesive messages systemwide.

5. Leads the production of general media products, productions and informational requests, and crisis communications.

6. Actively and collaboratively supports the overall short and long-term goals of the BOE and the school district through engaging office and district leadership, advising and reporting relevant information, and producing materials for a wide variety of stakeholders.

7. Maintains all social media platforms and BOE website for the BOE.

8. Under direction of the chief of staff, provides written materials and information to support Board members in communications-related matters.

9. Leads the BOE in communications efforts and/or events aimed at engaging the community.

10. Under direction, plans and coordinates communication events and opportunities for the BOE.

11. Maintains and expands knowledge of new developments in social media.

12. Develops and maintains project plans and calendars.

13. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 6/2023
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.