Communication specialist

Only online applications and required transcripts will be accepted : https : / / www.governmentjobs.com / careers / downey

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

This is an OPEN recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list.

Positions in this classification are full-time 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The recruitment process will consist of a performance examination and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of October 21 - November 8, 2024 .

Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation;

or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment.

No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION :

• Under the direction of the Public Information Officer, assist in the development and execution of digital and print communication to support the District's communications plans, including writing, creating graphics and capturing photos and video;
• perform a wide variety of duties related to managing and creating content for social, digital and print media to promote District, school and student successes to internal and external audiences;

perform a variety of activities assisting in the planning, organizing, and execution of public / media relations, projects and special events for the District and assists in the operations of the department.

Essential Duties :

• Creates and oversees social media and digital public relations / marketing efforts for community-wide and organization-wide campaigns.
• Utilizes storytelling to create original and interactive content for use on multiple platforms, including, but not limited to, websites, social media platforms and advertisements, including pictures, graphics and produced and live videos.
• Writes, edits various documents, such as news releases, feature articles that are technically correct and error-free.
• Assists with compiling copy for major publications, including photographs and interviews, promotional and marketing materials.
• Performs a variety of research and data gathering functions in relationship to District programs, activities, and services.
• Writes, edits and assists with District publications such as web pages, social media, publicity materials, official documents, advertising and marketing materials.
• Participates in the coordination of copy for information brochures, pamphlets, catalogs, and other related materials.
• Visits District programs and schools to identify stories and solidify relationships with program and site staff and administration;

captures photography and video to promote student achievements, programs and special events.

Provides excellent customer service and develops and maintains professional relationships with news media, community partners, community members, and district staff;

responds to phone calls, emails, letters and other communications.

• Assists in the editorial production coordination and support for the internal and external communications provided by the District.
• Maintains and revises media lists.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging technologies and trends on social media, computer graphic design, publishing and web technologies.
• Attends a variety of meetings and conferences for the purpose of obtaining and disseminating information.
• Assists with planning and preparation of functions managed through the Public Relations office.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Note : At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Digital communication tools and social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Buffer, Canva, etc.)
• Principles, techniques, and practices of public relations, journalism, marketing and advertising methods and techniques.
• Research and interview techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Publication design, editing and writing.
• Technical principles of social media authoring.
• Social media etiquette for professional use.
• Fundamentals in capturing and editing photography and videography.
• General organization and services provided by public agencies, particularly in the area of education.
• Media operations and procedures in the context of information dissemination.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Operation of a computer, digital camera and other specialized software utilized for print, social media and web publications.
• Work collaboratively with people in a culturally diverse setting, with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

ABILITY TO :

• Create, design and manage digital content and communications using a wide variety of techniques and technologies.
• Produce graphic, video, and multimedia artwork using a variety of techniques for various platforms.
• Coordinate news releases and publications to inform the public, and participants of the programs, services and events.
• Write, assemble, and edit a variety of materials that are creative, descriptive, technical, and factual.
• Compose and refine text content for clarity, branding, and formatting.
• Remain abreast of emerging and changing social media technologies.
• Operate a computer, digital camera and related office equipment such as a copier and printer.
• Respond to sensitive matters with discretion and tact.
• Interpret and apply rules, laws, codes, and policies pertaining to Downey Unified School District.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
• Communicate effectively, both in oral and written form.
• Plan, prioritize, and organize work within established timelines.
• Work with strict timelines and stressful situations.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with those contacted in the course of assigned duties.
• Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility.
• Comprehend and follow directions.
• Maintain a work pace appropriate to the position.
• Work within strict timelines and stressful situations.
• Be motivated to excel, be participative and energetic.
• Demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required.
• Demonstrate behavior in line with CHARACTER COUNTS! principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Any combination equivalent to : Bachelor’s Degree with coursework in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.

One year of experience performing professional-level duties in journalism, public relations, marketing or other communications fields.

Experience in social media, graphic design and / or digital marketing is highly desirable. Experience working in a public agency is highly preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver’s license. Must be, and remain, insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate.

OTHER :

Bilingual / Biliterate in Spanish preferred.

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Last updated : 2024-10-03