Position Summary

Support Saint Paul Public Schools' communications to internal and external stakeholders. This position will be a strong writer, copy editor and project manager.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Director of Communications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field and
• Two years of professional-level experience with increasing levels of responsibility in strategic communications, marketing/promotions or public relations. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must submit a portfolio of related work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of professional level experience with increasing levels of responsibility in strategic communications, marketing/promotions or public relations.
• Exemplary writing and communications skills.
• Communicating with an equity lens.
• Understanding the use of plain language in written communications.
• Strong copy editing skills.
• Knowledge of strategic communications concepts and methods.
• Experience using photography as a storytelling tool.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work with groups and organizations, both internal and external to the District.
• Strong ability to influence others and the ability to negotiate, build and maintain relations and inspire others.
• Ability to be self starting, entrepreneurial and creative.
• Ability to express/recognize ideas, opportunities, and communicate goals and objectives clearly.
• Working knowledge of project management.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Experience in school district communications, public relations or education.
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, website content management systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs to accomplish work responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exemplary writing and communications skills.
• Knowledge of strategic communications concepts and methods.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work with groups and organizations, both internal and external to the District.
• Strong ability to influence others and the ability to negotiate build and maintain relations and inspire others.
• Ability to be self starting, entrepreneurial and creative.
• Ability to express/recognize ideas, opportunities, and communicate goals and objectives clearly.
• Working knowledge of project management and budgeting.
• Excellent skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite to accomplish work responsibilities.

Responsibilities

The essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

• Develop and implement strong communications strategies for schools, departments and programs.
• Support and manage projects to meet deadlines by:
  • Developing communication plans and strategies
  • Working with copywriters, designers, translations staff and outside vendors (such as printers).
  • Securing final approval from subject-matter experts, project managers, legal, and appropriate Cabinet members.
  • Analyzing data and recommending effective solutions.
• Maintain excellent relationships with principals, district administrators, staff and community members.
• Create and update content for district and school websites
• Respond to inquiries from a variety of internal and external parties (e.g. staff, families, public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and facilitating communication among parties.
• Develop a clear understanding of SPPS Achieves (the district's strategic plan)
• Manage multiple projects with various deadlines effectively.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

This is a 12 month position working 40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the PEA negotiated labor agreement. The labor agreement and salary schedule can be found at SPPS Employee Forms / Labor Agreements

Benefits are available to new employees after 30 days of active employment. Benefits include medical insurance, life insurance, sick leave, pension plan, tax-free retirement account, and flexible spending account. Some employee groups also receive vacation, dental insurance and disability insurance. A benefits summary is available at Benefit Summaries by Bargaining Unit / Bargaining Unit Benefit Summaries (spps.org)

This position will remain posted until filled.

How to Apply

To be considered further, please apply for this position and attach a resume and cover letter to your online application.

The Human Resource Department will review your application materials and contact you regarding the next steps.

To attach additional documents to your online application, click on the "Additional Attachments" link from the applicant homepage and upload your documents as attachments. Valid file extensions for attaching a document include .doc, .txt, .rtf, and .pdf.

Other Information

Transcript - Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire. You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date. Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside of the United States.

Veteran's Preference - If you are an eligible veteran applying for a job where veteran's preference applies and wish to claim Veterans Preference you must submit a legible copy of your DD214 to the Human Resource Department with your employment application. If your claim is approved, five or ten additional points will be added to your final passing score.

Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks - Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are job duties that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.

Regular and reliable attendance.

May be exposed to various cleaning products.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.

Equity Statement

SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.