Under the general direction of the Superintendent, plans, develops, coordinates and implements communication and public relations activities; manages effective media, community, and public relations; support the District in responding to emergency and crisis situations; and develop and maintain a social media presence to enhance District messaging; coordinate District responses to public records requests; and performs other duties as assigned.

Develop and manage a comprehensive communication plan for the district, including the establishment and implementation of goals, objectives and priorities for the purpose of engaging diverse audiences.

Represent the Superintendent and District as a communication link with the media and community groups; and establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with representatives in all segments of local communications media, community, and employee organizations.

Provide representatives of the community and news media with information and materials regarding District operations, activities and programs; create content for a variety of internal and public communications, including writing and designing District fact sheets, flyers, newsletters, web communications and related materials, and drafting and reviewing press releases, statements, news releases and informational reports.

Develop and maintain a social media presence to enhance District messaging by leveraging a wide range of media platforms to promote District programs and activities; design web page layouts, graphics, and navigation of links to optimize information for consumption by various stakeholders and community groups.

Prepare and coordinate responses on behalf of the District for public records requests and similar requests for information on behalf of the District.

Provide immediate response to emergency and crisis situations in consultation with the Superintendent or designee; supports administrators in developing and releasing emergency or urgent communications.

Participate in special projects as directed by the Superintendent; coordinate and lead media events and community outreach events as assigned.

Provide ongoing communications support to District administrators and Board Members in reflection of communications and public relations emerging trends and best practices.

Attend Board of Education Meetings, District recognition events, community outreach events, special presentations and other events as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

The Communications & Public Relations Officer is an exempt management position responsible for the planning and execution of communication and public relations activities on behalf of the District.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices and policies of public relations, marketing and media; elements of writing news releases and other materials for print and broadcast media; principles and techniques of printing, publication and website production; marketing practices; principles and techniques of project management; report writing and other written and oral communication techniques; principles and practices of training, evaluating and providing work direction to others; policies and objectives of school programs and activities; principles and techniques of event planning; correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation and language use; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to: Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information; exercise judgment in the release of information and materials to the media and public; conduct research and use statistics effectively; prioritize and schedule work on several projects simultaneously; adapt to competing priorities; meet schedules and timelines; write clearly and persuasively for a variety of readers; write a wide variety of styles depending on the requirements of the materials; speak effectively to groups and individuals; creatively and effectively analyze situations and problems and adopt effective and appropriate courses of action; perform reliably and effectively in a variety of situations requiring specialized knowledge, tact, and good judgment; represent the District publicly with integrity and professionalism; work cooperatively and diplomatically with others; ability to listen, cooperate, and collaborate with others inside and outside of the organization; operate a computer and assigned computer equipment.

Essential Physical Activities and Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment. Must travel frequently to schools and community locations for meetings, presentations, and events. Duties require the physical ability to hear and speak to exchange information and make presentations, see to read a variety of materials, have dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer, and ability to sit for extended periods of time. Frequent contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals and exposure to hazards of emergency situation sites exist.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

Typical Background: Position requires a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in communications, public relations, journalism or related field and a least three (3) years of recent, professional-level experience in a public relations capacity on behalf of a complex organization, requiring a working knowledge of comprehensive public relations strategies and a mastery of communications skills. Experience in a public education system or similar public sector environment is preferable. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and use of an automobile or proof of an equivalent mode of personal transportation is required.

Qualifications: In order to be considered qualified for a vacancy in this classification, a candidate must possess the required background and successfully demonstrate such background, knowledge, skills and abilities through an examination process.

Established 6/30/16-CS Adopted by Personnel Commission on 6/30/16