Job Title:
Policy and Communications Specialist

Location:
Upper Marlboro, MD, US

Organization Name:
Board of Education

Department Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Board Executive Director, the Policy and Communications Specialist conducts policy research and analysis for the Board of Education for use in the development of policies and its broad and diverse oversight roles involving the school system's administrative activities and the Board's appeal and quasi-judicial functions. The incumbent of this position proactively addresses the communication needs of the Board of Education, including maintaining the Board of Education website, social media presence, and providing timely information to the public about the work of the Board of Education. The Policy and Communications Specialist interacts closely with the Board Executive Director and other members of the Board staff, Board of Education members, and the school system's Public Information Office. Work involves considerable knowledge of the school system's organization, policies, regulations, and an ability to exercise tact and sound judgment.

Brief Description:

This is a Board of Education Position - Grade 30

Salary Range: $71,162 - $132,995

This is a confidential position, not represented by a bargaining unit. Evening and weekend work required.

CLOSING DATE: September 12, 2019

Detailed Description:

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Works on updating and increasing web site and social media presence in collaboration with the school system's Communications Office;

Addresses communication needs of the Board of Education proactively, including proofreading and ensuring quality control of documents generated and disseminated by the Board of Education (drafts of Board press releases, annual reports, etc.);

Monitors community concerns, including managing the Board of Education's constituent concerns tracking system to ensure timely response by the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Education;

Manages the Board of Education's appeals process involving student and employee appeals in collaboration with Board staff, including case management, interaction with parties, and ensuring adherence to procedures;

Researches and write reports, articles, issue briefs and memoranda on issues and best practices and develops presentations on topics as required;

Creates and manages systems to ensure compliance around all policies and Board actions;

Vets proposed Board policies for inclusive voice and unintended consequences, and benchmarks against best practices of other school districts;

Collaborates with the school system and community stakeholders to craft policy and engage the community;

Provides quality assurance in the preparation and execution of Board meetings, including managing the agenda setting process, and preparing and reviewing reports for consideration at Board meetings;

Provides staff support for Board of Education standing and ad hoc committees as required;

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organization's policies and applicable laws, which include conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, staff development, staff supervision, performance evaluation, complaint resolution and problem solving;

Coordinates, organizes and implements special requests and initiatives, and monitors assigned projects as directed by the Board Executive Director; and

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS :
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Experience interacting closely with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment;

Ability to operate calmly under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times;

Demonstrates integrity, tact and the utmost discretion when dealing with confidential information and sensitive situations;

Superior organizational, time management and project management skills;

Documented experience in research/professional writing and editing, including position papers, policies, and regulations;

Ability to manage the appeals process in collaboration with Board staff, including case management, interaction with parties, ensuring adherence to procedures;

Ability to collaboratively examine programs, administrative procedures and policies while maintaining effective working relationships with the Board office staff and other personnel;

Detail-oriented thinker, exhibiting strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences and situations;

Track record of positive interactions and relationships in complex organizational environments;

Ability to review and analyze large volumes of information and present executive summary and report information for use by the Board of Education and school system constituencies;

Strong team player, who can also work independently with limited supervision;

Possesses exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, work ethic, flexibility, and ability to multitask; and

Knowledge of and comfort with web-based software platforms and Microsoft Office Suite software including Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in media relations, communications, public policy, business or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. Five (5) or more years of related work experience required, preferably in a public school system or other public or nonprofit sector. Familiarity with administrative and legal processes involving public school systems preferred.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

None required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees and provides guidance and direction to assigned staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a confidential position, not represented by a bargaining unit. Evening and weekend work required.

Additional Details:

Direct Deposit is expected as a condition of new hire employment.

Based on the settlement agreement reached in Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor v. Prince George's County Board of Education, OALJ Case No. 2011-LCA-00026, PGCPS is ineligible to sponsor foreign nationals for U.S. employment under any temporary or permanent visa program. As a condition of employment, all applicants for employment must be qualified to work in the United States without sponsorship by PGCPS. If you are not work-authorized and would require PGCPS to sponsor you for a work visa you will not be considered for employment.

How To Apply:

To submit an application online select apply.

Please complete ALL sections and provide applicable details to ensure full consideration. If you need assistance with submitting your application online, please contact the Employee Support Center & Substitute Services at 301-780-2191.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.

Minimum Salary:

Maximum Salary:

Currency:
USD

Shift Work Preferences:

Certified Teacher?:

Certification Subject Areas:

Amount of Travel:

Work At Home: