] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

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

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Communications Support Specialist, Board of Education

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Communication Support Spec CODE: 5507 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Support Specialist, Board of Education GRADE: 18 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the general direction of Board of Education leadership staff, supports the work of the office toward community support and engagement; including work with the Ombudsperson to manage daily interactions with internal and external constituents, partners and the public; responds to constituent inquiries; coordinates initial contact and responses to parties regarding Board appeals; coordinates and provides support of public testimony for Board meetings and hearings; assists with outreach, planning and support of community meetings; supports the implementation of communication and engagement strategies by writing, editing, reviewing, modifying materials, correspondence and publications, and by maintaining content including web pages, newsletters, social media messaging. Applies artistic judgment and skill in preparing communication materials. The work of this class involves considerable contact with staff and stakeholders by answering questions and assisting with problems, and providing timely, accurate, professional telephone and e-mail responses. Provides innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers, constituents, stakeholders and the community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Ability to handle multiple projects, react quickly to communication needs and provide innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers. Working knowledge and understanding of English grammar and composition. Working knowledge of school organizational communications. Excellent interpersonal, human relations, oral and written communication skills required. Ability to develop simple, user-friendly forms; training materials; and communication tools that enable the dissemination of messages across a large organization. Ability to perform, without direct supervision, continuing assignments to meet the office's communication needs and provide innovative and effective approaches to improve service to customers. Ability to use resourcefulness and tact, recognizing established precedents and practices, when making decision and solving problems. Knowledge of managing multiple electronic databases and webpages. Thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker Pro, and Visio. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to assist in training BOE staff and others in the use of communication materials that are computer-based. Must have a thorough knowledge of MCPS procedures, organization, functions, and programs and use sound judgment and professionalism when interacting with MCPS staff, Board members stakeholders, and the public Knowledge of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum Associates degree required. Completion of college coursework in education, family studies, counseling, social work, or communications desirable. Minimum of five years of progressively more responsible experience in a professional office or education-related setting, three of which shall have been in communications, publishing, social media platforms or administrative and web support. Experience in the creation and development of a variety of visual materials preferred. Training and experience in software applications, or other web-site creation and editing software. Experience developing/updating web pages. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to a Associates degree, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities 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.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office every day.)

1. Independently creates and evaluates communication strategies to improve services to the Board office, Board members, stakeholders, and constituents.

2. Functional leader of the Board website. Updates the webpages, electronic materials, correspondence and social media platforms with new content and updated information on a regular basis. Writes and edits content using applicable and current web publishing software.

3. Provides communications support to the BOE ombudsperson and other office staff as needed.

4. Manages logistics and coordinates speakers providing public testimony for BOE meetings and confidential hearings.

5. Proactively supports and provides innovative strategies and materials for community and stakeholder engagement and communication.

6. Edits articles, publications, and standard communications to be used in Board office and stakeholder notifications.

7. Receives communications from customers and staff, determines nature of business; exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve matters referring persons to the area that can best address their needs and concerns.

8. Operates computer desktop and other office equipment in the completion of complex and varied information management tasks.

9. Maintains various databases and tracking systems in conjunction with other Board Office staff.

10. Monitors BOE dropboxes and distributes the messages to the appropriate office, staff members or supervisors for research and response as required.

11. Provides support and service to all customer inquiries and requests with professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

12. Assists in the development and presentation of information, using standard office software (MS Word, PowerPoint, etc. and/or related printed materials.

13. Arranges staff development conferences/trainings and department meetings, including scheduling space and time, notifying participants, and coordinating with outside MCPS sites when necessary.

14. Generates reports, memos, surveys, edits standard communications, including memos, letters, and other informational materials and correspondence.

15. Regularly updates existing databases to maintain accurate information. Performs routine comparisons of data and analyses of information.

16. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 1/2023
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.