Communications Specialist

The Superintendent of Schools announces the following position within the Fall River Public School System:

Position: Communications Specialist

Job Description: Communications Coordinator will manage our external and internal communications. He/she will promote a positive public image and handle dissemination of information for the District. The role will manage internal and external communications for the Fall River Public Schools (FRPS). The Coordinator will communicate in honest and informative ways through press releases, district and school website and social media, videos, and/or any other forms of communication.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and prepare press releases, interviews and press conferences, when appropriate.
• Work with Central Office staff on public relations efforts.
• Assist with the distribution of stories to local and regional news outlets and organizations to promote District and School initiatives and successes.
• Coordinate, monitor and manage content on District and social media platforms ensuring that the district has an appropriate presence and up to date information on the most current social media platforms.
• Coordinate and monitor all District communications relative to activities, programs, and scheduling.
• Focuses on implementing new channels of communication which involve emerging technology (mobile apps, RSS feeds, and podcasts) to communicate with citizens and officials.
• 7. Collaborate with the Office of Superintendent on events within the District Calendar.
• Collaborate on urgent or emergency communications, including the public notification platform (Parent Square).
• Oversee www.fallriverschools.org and keep updated and current.
• Facilitate translation of materials, publications, and messages.
• Research, coordinate, and respond to media inquiries regarding school-based and district matters and provide regular updates to the Superintendent, for communication to the School Committee and other school leaders.
• Develop and implement short and long term communication strategies for improving public understanding of the FRPS efforts to improve achievement for all students, raising awareness and recognition for successful practices.
• Establish and maintain positive media relations (print and electronic, local, and industry outlets) through sustained professional contact that is consistently helpful, open, and credible.
• Produce/edit clear, concise, "user friendly" documents including letters, press releases, columns, videos, fact sheets, flyers, blogs, etc.
• Locate venues for communicating system goals and priorities to FRPS stakeholders (e.g., school-based and central staff, parents, students, community, and business leaders).
• Develop marketing material to promote the district at community events, career fairs, open houses, and activities.

Required Qualifications:

BS/BA in public relations, marketing, communications or relevant field.

• Proven experience as a communication specialist including writing, editing and publicizing information.
  2. Experience in social media platforms and website content publication
  3. Experience in multilingual and multicultural environments
  4. Strong relationship-building skills working with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
  5. Solid understanding of project management principles
  6. Working knowledge of MS Office and/or Google (photo and video editing software experience preferred)
  7. Excellent written and oral communication skills; with strong interpersonal and public relations skills.
  8. Outstanding organizational and planning abilities
• Proficient command of English

The Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to waive a position qualification or determine that there is an acceptable alternative to that qualification. If the Superintendent intends to waive a qualification, such intent will be shared with the Fall River School Committee.

Reports To: Chief Information Officer

Terms of Employment: Salary, terms and benefits to be negotiated. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established within an individual contract.

Salary: $55,000-65,000

Closing Date for Applications: Until filled

The Fall River Public Schools offers all programs, activities, and employment opportunities without regard to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.