] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → SENIOR COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

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Senior Communication Specialist

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Sr. Communication Specialst CODE: 5506 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Senior Communication Specialist GRADE: 27 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, assists the Director of Public Information and Web Services in managing the daily activities of the Department, including serving as a spokesperson for the school system and being 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. Using all media, 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. Familiarity with web communications, social media tools and other emergency communications technologies and trends. Excellent interpersonal skills a must. Knowledge of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred. Extensive experience in news media and/or 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 provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. Preferred qualifications and experience include fluency in a language other than English; experience or familiarity with multi-lingual news outlets and knowledge of web site design and production.
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 work evenings, weekends and beyond a normal work week when required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist 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.
Provide leadership in the management of new and continuing projects and publications using a broad range of print and electronic platforms.

Initiate, plan, and orchestrate press conferences and other media events to publicize school system policies, procedures, programs, resources, initiatives, and performance.

Research, write, and disseminate original media announcements on a variety of topics; and works with reporters and editors for timely coverage in print and electronic media.

Serve as coordinating editor and writer for monthly electronic newsletter to the community and assists in the editing and production of other newsletters to staff, parents and others.

Serve as a key member of the emergency communications team.

Assist MCPS schools and offices in the development of external communication efforts, including parent letters, press releases and event announcements.

Assist Public Information Director in responding to Maryland Public Information Act and Freedom of Information Act inquiries and other requests for information.

Participate in the weekly meetings with director, chief of staff and others, as required.

Attend meetings with schools and other offices as assigned by the Director of Public Information and others.

Perform other duties as required.

Class Established: 6/2010
Date(s) Revised: 10/11
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.