Communications Specialist

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY: Provides leadership and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of internal and external communication activities for the Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) through collaborative processes.  Designs and/or coordinates the development and design of a wide range of electronic and/or printed graphic materials and other media.  Develops and maintains integrated web sites.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to department/program staff related to communication/marketing priorities, strategies, and timelines.
• Develop and maintain NWESD communication/marketing plan and branding strategies, and maintain external communication/brand integrity across departments.
• In coordination with the Superintendent, serves as the NWESD liaison to the media and other public information outlets. Prepare and distribute news releases as necessary to appropriate media outlets.
• Collaborate with NWESD leadership in defining communication/marketing priorities and implementation strategies.
• Draft key messages on behalf of the NWESD and leadership for publications, electronic communication, social media, and website. Edit, when requested, staff content for external communication systems.
• Provide coordination, oversight, and production of weekly electronic communication/marketing process(es). Provide email marketing support to departments as needed.  Ensure compliance with the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act) and email marketing system guidelines.
• Design, write, and edit reports, brochures, publications, and other printed collateral. Oversee and coordinate the printing production process to ensure quality.
• Manage and maintain multiple external-facing secure websites (whether using the current ‘Drupal’ infrastructure or its successor), including management and maintenance of content, infrastructure, user account permissions, design, and modules.
• Manage and maintain the secure Online Communities and workspace (whether using the current ‘Mindtouch’ platform or its successor), including oversight and management of user accounts, group permissions, system infrastructure, and graphics.
• Provide leadership to departments/programs in the areas of web best practices including marketing tools, design, content development and management, analytics, social networking/third-party sites, and standards compliance.
• Manage NWESD social media accounts with regard to Public Record Request policies and social media best practice content guidelines.
• Keep abreast of emerging technology and trends related to communications and engagement, collaboratively share them with NWESD leadership, and apply them as deemed appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.  Three years’ experience in the area of marketing, business promotion, or communications.  Experience and ability to collaboratively work effectively with adults.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

WSP name/DOB criminal history background clearance required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• The principles and practices of communications and marketing as obtained through formal education.
• Pertinent laws, rules, and regulations related to public information, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the CAN-SPAM Act.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including Adobe Creative Suite products (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), vector and raster graphics, HTML, CSS, and content management systems.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of graphic design and layout.
• Ability to manage production of various projects from design phase through delivery.
• Ability to apply organizational and design principles and techniques to the creation and enhancement of integrated websites.
• Experience with ‘Drupal’ platform preferred.
• Ability to manage a variety of timelines and multiple projects.
• Flexibility and demonstrated ability to manage competing demands.
• Ability to use campaign analytics to adjust existing and develop new communication strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated collaborative work style.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed approximately 75% in an office environment or school setting and approximately 25% traveling to fulfill the essential functions of the position.  The ability to sit for extended periods of time is required.  Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.