Job Description

The capital improvement program (CIP) communications specialist provides direct communications support for the ACPS Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The specialist is responsible to research, plan, develop, and implement communications services for the capital construction program which includes new construction, renovation and major repair projects across the division campus of facilities and grounds.

This position drafts messaging for such projects, conducts research, writes and publishes stories for the school communities. The specialist maintains and updates the respective school and department web pages with project information, news releases, links and other online materials that relate to these projects. These duties will also include media outreach, coordination of press events as needed for department projects, occasional writing of newsletter content, op-eds, speeches, presentations, and marketing content for brochures and other publications as required. Additionally, the specialist will coordinate and support community meetings and outreach related to CIP projects. Some evening and weekend work is required to support the needs of the community. The position helps communicate to both internal and external audiences, and works closely with the department of school and community relations to share CIP information through ACPS social media channels, newsletters and other forms of communication to stakeholders. This is a targeted communications position to support the speci?c communications and information needs of the CIP.

This position reports to the director, capital programs, planning and design (CPPD). This is a CIP funded position and subject to change of program budget authority.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited institution required. A degree in English, Journalism, Public Relations, or Communications is highly preferred.

Experience: A combination of two years of training and experience in media relations or related work is required. Experience in journalism and media relations in a public school division is preferred. Media relations experience in the construction industry is preferred. General work experience of ?ve years under direct supervision is preferred. Bilingual ability is preferred with skills in Spanish, Amharic, or Arabic highly preferred for this position.

Certification: None required. Related certi?cations in communications, journalism, or media- relations are preferred.

Essential Functions

• Under the director's supervision and direction, develop and execute the CIP strategic communications and engagement plan that aligns with the division's Strategic Plan. Seek internal input, publish and assess the plan for continuous improvement.
• Use online, digital, non-print media, media outreach, and related applications to support the communications plan.
• Responsible for all media relations regarding the CIP program including timely responses to all media requests, drafting and pitching of news releases and media advisories, and relationship building with media outlets.
• Research content and develop CIP news releases, talking points, op-eds, speeches, newsletters, and family and community letters.
• Publish and disseminate CIP information to the public and school division sta?. Assist the director by providing communications services for community meetings, division conferences and School Board meetings.
• Collaborate and confer with the Department of School and Community Relations regularly to follow division standards of publication, stay up-to-date on division-wide communications activities, and gain approval on messaging prior to publication. Serve as an information resource for any CIP-related questions and needs.
• Serve as CIP web-page editor and provide up-to-date project information for the respective webpages of schools and local communities; collaborate with the ACPS web communications specialist as needed.
• Serve as CIP communications liaison between departments and schools.
• Suggest appropriate communications for target audiences in various languages. Plan strategically with ?exibility and creativity to meet speci?ed objectives; produce creative, innovative publications and promotional materials.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to include media o?ces and community stakeholders;
• Conduct research and solicit feedback through formal and informal means on activities, products and purposes of the public relations program and the school division in general;
• May perform other additional duties or tasks as designated by the director to support the division.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High-paced work environment. Must have ability to handle stress and pressures to meet tight deadlines
• Organizational, intercultural, collaboration, human relations and technical skills Ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining sensitive and con?dential communications
• Ability to work under general supervision and at times, independently in a variety of situations often requiring extensive time and regular contact with local public leaders, community members and special interest groups
• Ability to think boldly and innovatively, with the ability to develop and enact new ideas; use high-quality writing and strategic thinking skills
• Learn and use knowledge of the news media, local government, and related political processes in the public education context
• Ability to provide stakeholders with clear, easy-to-understand information that avoids jargon and helps non-experts understand the status of CIP projects, budgets, and more
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking and judgment skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills.
• Must be highly pro?cient in MS O?ce Suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Able to learn and become highly pro?cient in the use of division software
• Use technology skill sets to e?ect on-line communications and social media networks
• Must display a positive, can-do attitude
• Must be able to learn and follow school division organization, policies, regulations
• Ability to exercise tact and sound judgment
• Must be able maintain a driver's license and operate a division-provided vehicle for travel in and around the division as required.
• Must be able to adjust to ?exible hours and demands for work after-hours and work on weekends.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP

Primary Location:
Central Office
Salary Range:
$65,644.80 - $80,755.20 / Support SUP-34
Shift Type:
Full-Time