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:

The Communications Specialist provides leadership and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of internal and external communication strategies through collaborative processes.  This role develops clear, engaging, and audience-centered communications that reflect NWESD’s commitment to inclusion, cultural responsiveness, accessibility, and authentic representation of the communities we serve. Responsibilities include designing and coordinating the development of print, digital, web, and multimedia communications; maintaining digital communication platforms; and supporting organizational visibility, engagement, and strategic communication priorities.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Provide proactive consultation and support to department and program staff on communication and marketing priorities, messaging, strategies, and timelines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain NWESD’s communications, marketing, and brand strategies to ensure consistent, high-quality internal and external communications.
• Serve as NWESD’s media liaison in coordination with the Superintendent, including preparing and distributing news releases, responding to public information needs, and supporting public records requests.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and NWESD leadership to define communication priorities, develop key messaging, and support organizational communication strategies.
• Draft, design, edit, and coordinate the production of communication materials across print, digital, web, email, and social media platforms, including reports, publications, marketing collateral, and leadership communications.
• Create communication materials that are audience-centered, culturally responsive, and accessible to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate and manage digital marketing and electronic communication processes, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, platform requirements, and communication best practices.
• Provide leadership on web and digital communication best practices, including content strategy, design, analytics, audience engagement, and effective use of communication technologies.
• Manage and maintain NWESD’s digital communication platforms, including websites, online communities, and social media channels, ensuring content quality, accessibility, security, user permissions, and adherence to organizational standards.
• Guide the organization in accessible and compliant communications practices, including ADA-accessible communications, copyright compliance, and appropriate use of communication materials.
• Monitor emerging communication tools, technologies, and trends and recommend innovations that strengthen organizational communication and engagement.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of communications, marketing, branding, and public information principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to public communications, including privacy, accessibility, copyright, electronic communications, records management and public disclosure requirements.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices and the ability to create communication materials that are clear, inclusive, and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with communication, collaboration, design, digital marketing, and website/content management tools relevant to the role (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, WordPress, email marketing platforms, and analytics tools).
• Knowledge of graphic design, layout, web design, and digital content development principles.
• Ability to design, manage, and enhance digital communication platforms using sound organizational, user experience, and design principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, competing timelines, and changing demands with flexibility and sound judgment.
• Ability to use communication analytics and performance data to evaluate effectiveness and inform communication strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external partners.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field.  Minimum of three years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, digital communications or related field. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across teams, departments, or organizations. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position may be considered. Successful completion of WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. This position may be telecommute-eligible per Policy 5225.

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.  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:

Potential hazards are present since the position requires the incumbent to travel.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, in inclement weather, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.