Job Summary:

The Communications Specialist will support our external and internal district communications. The Communications Specialist generates and supports timely, accurate, and relevant communications to all members of the school community.  The Communication Specialist is a strong writer with experience in communications, marketing, advertising, education, copywriting, graphic design, web design, photography, video production, or motion graphics. 

Category: 

Non-Union ESP

Qualifications:

Degree in a related field such as media, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or journalism required

Valid driver’s license

Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required 

Evaluation:

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy.

Reports to:

Director of Public Relations and Communications

FLSA: 

Non-Exempt

Terms of Employment:

This is a 12-month non-union IMRF position with an hourly range of $18.00 - $22.00, as established by the Board of Education. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

The compensation package for non-union positions includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance and a $50,000 term life insurance policy. Employees are eligible for paid vacation days based on their length of employment, and holidays are provided per district policy. Full-time employees receive two paid personal leave days per year. Tuition reimbursement is available after the successful completion of the first year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists, designs, and writes in collaboration with the Director of Public Relations and Communications and district publications, including email campaigns, newsletters, brochures, direct mail, annual reports, and other documents as needed.
2. Grows and maintains district social media accounts.
3. Designs and maintains the district website - www.cusd50.org.
4. Tracks and reports social media and web analytics.
5. Creates and delivers website graphics and infographics. 
6. Creates short videos, podcasts, and live broadcasts, in collaboration with the Director of Public Relations and Communications, that highlight events, initiatives, and people within the school community.
7. Designs collateral materials to create brand consistency in the district.
8. Ensures that all printed and electronic materials adhere to the district's identity standards.
9. Maintains, updates, and verifies the online district-wide calendar.
10. Collaborates with the Director of Public Relations and Communications in developing marketing campaigns for employee recruiting, student registration, and other district initiatives. 
11. Assists the Director of Public Relations and Communications with the deployment of formal notifications to parents and the community regarding school issues and crisis scenarios using a wide variety of communication tools.
12. Promotes district-wide special events.
13. Compiles and maintains digital archives of district media.
14. Supports and collaborates with the administration to coordinate the District’s website, social media, and print publications such as external newspapers and internal newsletters. 
15. Responds to urgent and emergency communication needs after hours. 
16. Performs other duties as assigned 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Superb writing, editing, and language skills
• Graphic design abilities
• Basic knowledge of WordPress, HTML, CSS
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written and verbal forms 
• Knowledge of or experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Apple Final Cut Pro X or comparable software preferred
• Video production skills preferred
• Knowledge of or experience with motion graphics experience with Apple Motion, Adobe After Effects, Cinema4D, or comparable software is preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Depending on the assignment, the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive bending at the waist, as well as kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students, is also required. Employees may reach overhead as well as above the shoulders and horizontally. Driving to and from events in each building and our community locations 

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

This job description is intended to describe minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities performed by employees assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary.