Communication coordinator

Job Title : Coordinator of External Communication Wage / Hour Status : EXEMPT

Reports to : Director of Communication & Public Relations Pay Grade : 4

Dept. / School : Communication & Public Relations Initiated Date : May 2024

District Primary Purpose :

To enhance the district’s public presence and community engagement efforts through strategic external communications and robust relationships with media outlets and other public platforms.

Department Primary Purpose :

To support the Communications and Public Relations department by developing and executing effective messaging strategies across various external communication channels, ensuring consistent, proactive, and positive media representation of the district’s activities and achievements.

Education / Certification :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Education, or related field required.
• Advanced training, certifications, or experiences in media relations or digital communications preferred.
• 3 years experience in Central Office Leadership, Campus, and / or Communications Media Relations role preferred.

Qualification Requirements :

• Proven experience in media relations or communications, preferably within an educational or public sector environment.
• Strong skills in creating and implementing strategic communication plans that engage diverse audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for crafting compelling messages for various media formats.
• Established relationships with local and national media outlets, or the ability to develop such relationships quickly and effectively.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, digital communication tools, and content management systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a communications team, supporting and enhancing the overall messaging objectives of the district.

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

• Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with external communications partners, including local newspapers, television stations, and educational publications.
• Design and implement messaging strategies for external media channels, aligning with the district’s strategic goals and enhancing its public profile.
• Assist in the creation of press releases, media briefs, and other communication materials that effectively convey the district’s initiatives and successes.
• Monitor media coverage and trends, providing strategic advice to optimize the district’s presence and influence in public discussions.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and PR to plan and execute comprehensive external communication campaigns for major district efforts.
• Work closely with the Superintendent’s Office and other Central Office Divisions to support strategic messaging and communication efforts to communicate the District strategies effectively.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of external communication strategies and adjust plans accordingly to maintain and improve media relations and public perceptions.
• Provide support and expertise in crisis communications, helping to manage the district’s response to external challenges or negative publicity.
• Organize and facilitate media events, press conferences, and interviews, ensuring professional representation of the district’s leadership and initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

May oversee external communications staff or interns as the department grows.

Working Conditions : Physical Demands :

Physical Demands :

Typical office environment with frequent use of electronic communication tools. Required to attend and conduct media events and press conferences.

Work Environment :

Office-based with considerable external interaction, both in-person and digitally. The role involves regular local travel and occasional extended hours during major district events or communications campaigns.

Position Working Days :

226 Days

All applications must be submitted online for professional and clerical positions to the La Joya I.S.D. Office of the Human Resources Department. (www.la joyaisd.com)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.

They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes.

Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and / or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

Last updated : 2024-05-21