Communications Coordinator

Position Title: Communications Coordinator
Department/Location: Department of Human Resources and Communications
Job Classification: Select Employee (Exempt)
Reports to: Director of Human ResourcesSupervises: N.A.

Position Summary:

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies to effectively inform, listen to, and engage internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintains open lines of communication and relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote the involvement of students, parents, staff members, and community members in District activities
• Establishes and maintain media relations program, which includes acting as District spokesperson for local media, conducting interviews, drafting press releases and promoting school activities
• Serves as the primary contact for general media inquiries
• Designs and creates external print and electronic communications utilizing various modes of collateral materials, which could include cable TV messages, social media, external newsletters, flyers, email messages, video productions, forums for public engagement, and surveys
• Coordinates the development and enhancement of the District’s public website, including publishing and updating dynamic content -Serves as a conduit for alumni, community, and staff
• Coordinates photography at local, state, and federal events on behalf of the District for use in various District publications and promotional materials
• Coordinates promotional activities for the Superintendent
• Coordinates key special events, including Recognition Banquet and Support Staff Appreciation Luncheon
• Seeks out and arranges public appearances throughout the community for Wauwatosa School District leadership and staff to promote the District’s schools, students and programs
• Researches innovative ways to execute District’s communication plan and implement effective strategies to accomplish the goals outlined in that plan
• Oversees creation of annual District print calendar
• Oversees approval of community event flyers
• Identifies and acquires promotional items for District -Serves as role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
• Complies with the following requirement: The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District

Other Job Functions:

• Provides prompt responses to requests for information about the District, its policies, and its programs
• Researches and evaluates new technologies and communications strategies utilized in the private and public sectors
• Plans and conducts community outreach activities to enhance the visibility of the District -Creates, plans, and coordinates community affairs programs with area businesses, community organizations, realtors, churches, students, staff, and parents
• Assists with specifications and layouts for publications, working with internal and commercial printers in the production of printed products
• Develops and implements in-service programs and provides support to District personnel in the development of effective community relations, communications and marketing activities/programs, crisis management communication, media relations, and customer service
• Provides assistance to class reunion committees for reunion weekends
• Manages and updates the alumni community pages on the District’s website and looks for ways to advance the role the website can play in enhancing the building of relationships with alumni
• Promotes and coordinates expanded community involvement in schools through various programs and activities, including tutors, volunteers, partnerships and special donation drives -Performs other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in communications, public relations, or journalism
• Experience in the development and implementation of communication/marketing programs preferred
• Experience serving public sector organizations in a communications leadership capacity preferred
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, and interact in a positive, professional manner with the School Board, administrators, staff, District parents, community, students, news media and other stakeholders
• Proficiency in technical skills, including the development of communications strategies around social media and video production preferred
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as District policies and procedures; federal, state, and DPI publications; and routine operating and maintenance instructions for the purpose of communicating complex information to the general public.

Essential Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Perform light physical work, frequently lifting up to ten pounds without assistance in an indoor setting
• Communicate effectively on the telephone and in person to provide information and assistance
• Move throughout the building and from building to building, including driving a vehicle
• Reach in all directions and bend/stoop to store and retrieve files, use telephone, copier, computer and other office equipment
• Have dexterity and hand/eye coordination necessary to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment
• Have hearing ability adequate to participate in numerous conversations throughout the day, both in person and over the telephone
• Complete job activities in an environment where background noise and frequent interruptions are the norm -Maintain concentration and focus on tasks requiring timeliness and accuracy

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience; Benefits Offered.