] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, WEB PRODUCER

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Communications Specialist, Web Producer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Commnctn Spec/Web Producer CODE: 5505 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Specialist, Web Producer GRADE: 21 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, creates and maintains web pages, web sites, email newsletters, newsfeeds, and other web or Internet-based communications materials. The work of the class involves writing, editing, reviewing, and modifying content for online publication and distribution; using technical skills to create and modify online content; writing user documentation; selection and preparation of photos and graphics for the web; aiding in the editorial development of new online communications; supporting and training webmasters to improve their editorial or communications skills; analyzing, reviewing, and critiquing online communications; reviewing web traffic reports and site visitor surveys to improve site usability; assisting with improvements to site information architecture; conducting research and writing reports; quality assurance and proofing; supporting the deployment of new online publishing and communications materials and technologies; tracking the development of web standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of written English (AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, Strunk & White) and of best practices for writing for the web. Thorough knowledge of technologies used in web publishing such as FTP, HTML, CSS, XHTML, HTML editors, browsers, newsreaders, blogs, graphics manipulation software. Considerable knowledge of web publishing or content management systems. Considerable knowledge of non-print web communications technologies such as streaming media and Flash. Ability to analyze and improve content to meet publishing industry standards. Ability to develop new editorial products and modify content for distribution via new technologies. Ability to collaborate with technical staff on systems development and with communications staff on editorial development. Ability to adapt easily to new technologies for online content creation and distribution. Ability to handle multiple projects, react quickly to communications needs, and suggest more effective approaches to production and content packaging. Ability to keep up to date on evolving web communications technologies and editorial approaches. Ability to create and maintain web sites conforming to web standards (W3C). Expert at HTML, CSS and other web page mark-up. Familiarity with Unicode and use of non-English character sets in web publishing. Familiarity with XML and javascript. Ability to work well on a team. Excellent analytical, writing, oral communications and human relations skills. Excellent attention to detail and collaboration skills. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred. College major study in new / interactive media, journalism, English, or other communications-intensive discipline. Considerable web site content production experience, including recent experience with CSS and web sites with large amounts of frequently updated content. Experience with editorial product development and production, web standards, web site usability studies, and information architecture.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to respond to urgent work requirements which may require overtime or occasional weekend/night work.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Updates MCPS web pages and sites with new content (blurbs, links, images, documents, etc.) on a regular basis.

2. Plans and develops new web sites for offices, departments, and schools.

3. Writes and edits content; assists with editorial improvements to existing sites.

4. Maintains and improves HTML, CSS and other page mark-up to improve site efficiency, usability and content presentation; keeps up-to-date on web standards (W3C).

5. Collaborates to develop and maintain non-English language web pages; keeps up-to-date on developments in the use of Unicode and other approaches to web publishing with non-Latin character sets.

6. Conducts regular quality assurance and proofing checks of the MCPS web, including databases, applications, etc.

7. Migrates web pages and sites into the MCPS template; migrates web pages and sites into content management or web publishing system.

8. Develops and maintains editorial production plans and calendars for maintenance of web pages and sites.

9. Creates Flash presentations.10. Assists with the training of webmasters.

11. Writes and edits documentation, help screens, and other materials.

12. Conducts analyses of site usage and suggests improvements to site content presentation and information architecture.

13. Provides editorial assistance in the development of new online communications and web applications.

14. Reviews site visitor surveys, customer feedback forms, and anecdotal emails; develops reports on customer satisfaction; makes recommendations to improve site usability.

15. Collaborates regularly with other communications staff to enhance web communications to meet system communications objectives.

16. Maintains and grows knowledge of new developments in web communications.

17. Keeps team regularly informed of trends and industry developments.

18. Conducts research and writes reports concerning web communications.

19. Maintains and grows expertise concerning new tools, technologies and systems used to create, publish and disseminate online content.

20. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 7/05
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed: 7/11

This description may be changed at any time.