Position Type:
DISTRICTWIDE/ Communications Specialist

Date Posted:
10/16/2020

Location:
Town School Office

Date Available:
To be determined

Closing Date:
11/02/2020

   Additional Information: Show/Hide

12 Month Non-Union Position
Central Office

Function : The Communications Specialist supports district communications including public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and awareness activities to enhance community understanding of the mission, goals, objectives and activities of the Westport Public Schools. Requirements :

• Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or Marketing preferred;
• Minimum of five years' in media relations, public relations or communications preferred;
• The ability to read and interpret documents, such as general business periodicals, financial reports professional journals, and policy procedure manuals;
• The ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs;
• The ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations and where only limited standardization exists;
• The ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions from various resources;
• Proficient keyboarding skills (45-55 words per minute);
• The ability to effectively operate and utilize a personal computer and related software including advanced word processing, spreadsheet and database programs;
• The ability to develop effective working relationships with staff;
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• The ability to handle a multitude of responsibilities with minimal supervision; and
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.

Reports to : Superintendent of Schools or his designee

Salary : A competitive compensation package will be offered that is both commensurate with the candidate's experience and credentials.

Start Date : To be negotiated

Application Procedure :

• Internal applicants must submit an online application through the Westport Public Schools website. Job # 1477 (Please be sure to select internal applicant. This signifies one's current status as a Westport employee.)
• External applicants must submit an online application through the Westport Public Schools website. Job # 1477 (Paper copies will not be accepted.)

Application Deadline : Review of applications begins on November 2, 2020 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES: (Some or all of the following duties and responsibilities may apply.)

• Serves as information liaison between the district and media representatives, community organizations and the public for the purpose of conveying information, publicizing events and enhancing the relationship of the district and the community;

• Editor/writer for materials such as press releases, electronic communications and newsletters;

• Advise and support the Superintendent, Board of Education and Administrators regarding internal and external communications;

• Handles communications during crisis situations (e.g. media, public, parents, students and staff) for the purpose of providing accurate and timely information;

• Creates and executes public relations plans for key district initiatives;

• Coordinates with school administration and attends school events for community relations initiatives;

• Monitors and updates social media outlets;

• Coordinators with the district's Webmaster to provide updated communication materials for the district's website;

• Assists the district's Webmaster, as needed, with updates to web pages, social media and distribution of electronic notifications. Serves as a back-up to the Webmaster.

• Develops community outreach opportunities for the purposes of promoting the district and its services;

• Attend Board of Education, district meetings and community meetings to gather and disseminate information about the districts:

• Listens to and analyzes concerns of the public;

• Assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding the disclosure of public information;

• Maintains current knowledge of public relations principles, strategies, tactics and practices, as well as participate in professional development activities;

• Operates office equipment such as copiers, computers and fax machines;

• Maintains current information and knowledge of school district operations;

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Board of Education policy;

• Other duties as assigned.

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The Westport Board of Education will not make employment decision (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability (including pregnancy), genetic information, veteran status or gender identity or expression, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.