Salary: $77,300.00 Annually
Location : Columbus, OH
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-2530-A2
Department: Communications & Engagement
Opening Date: 09/07/2023
Definition
It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience.
The Digital Communications Specialist will enhance the District’s digital presence across its website, social media, video production, photography, radio, and podcasts. As a Communications team member, the Digital Communications Specialist is a strategic content creator who can effectively highlight the District’s achievements, from classroom instruction to staff and student accomplishments through written and/or digital mediums.
Examples of Work
The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Support all District communication activities involving internal and external audiences, including community relations, marketing and public relations.
- Maintain the District website and assist in the maintenance of district information provided on the site.
- Develop and manage comprehensive social media plan for the district; create written content supported by compelling photographs and videos; serve as a resource to schools for their social media efforts.
- Develop and lead projects and campaigns to showcase the best innovative education initiatives across our District and schools on digital and other platforms.
- Plan and produce videos, photography, images and graphics highlighting the District and school initiatives.
- Foster brand ownership, identity and loyalty among staff and District leadership.
- Provide standards and guidelines for consistent and appropriate use of video, photography and brand assets.
- Research and help implement best emerging communication technology to support communications among and with teachers, staff, students and families, such as webinars, blogs and podcasts.
- Assist with monitoring of the District’s internal and external websites for 112 schools and various departments and programs as well as social media channels.
- Use of appropriate technology for successful job completion: Adobe, Google, Finalsite, BlackBoard, Parentlink.
- Possess advanced computer skills, e.g., graphics, desktop publishing, social media, SEO, site management, word processing, database and spreadsheet.
- Maintain open lines of communication with all community organizations and provide prompt responses to requests for public information about the District, its policies and its programming
- Deal effectively with various audiences through face-to-face interaction, by phone and via electronic communication.
- Design, write and edit the district publications including newsletters, brochures, news releases, feature stories, annual reports and other documents as needed.
- Collaborate with team and District staff members to support communication efforts (newsletters, presentations, training, employee relations, crisis communication and communication plans).
- Support team in identifying communication and public relations emerging trends.
- Support special events, town halls and other District events as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Three or more years of experience facilitating communications initiatives for a school system, non-profit organization or comparable institution.
- Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in digital production, photography and video production and editing, digital marketing, public relations and/or strategic communications.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Knowledge of AP style.
- Experience creating engaging social media content, as well as plan and manage short-term and long-term social media campaigns.
- Experience producing and distributing electronic publications in various formats, including interactive PDF files and e-newsletters.
- Experience using a browser-based Content Management System to create and update website content.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Products and Google Drive.
- Strong video production and editing skills, photography skills and basic graphic design skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of public education goals and objectives.
- Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to build relationships, coach and support District staff and volunteers.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with an ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to use traditional, current, advanced and emerging communication and technology tools.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision as well as in a team setting.
- Adaptability-ability to adjust to change and willingness to learn.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Tools/Equipment Use: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair.
- Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching
- Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds)
- Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the education, experience, skill and ability levels typically needed to successfully perform the essential duties contained in this job description. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies. CCS fully supports the hiring and employment of individuals with physical or mental disabilities who meet the job qualifications, so long as the individuals are able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Test/Job Contact Information
This job posting is for an Administrator/Contract Employee position. The hiring manager will conduct a review of the applications received to determine who to interview. Please be sure that you have attached digital copies of the following required documents along with any other documentation verifying your qualifications for this job:
- Resume
- Three (3) professional references
- Degree(s) and/or official transcript(s) (if applicable)
Prior to submitting, please verify that your profile, including both education and work experience, is accurate and up to date.
Columbus City Schools is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies.
Columbus City Schools is proud of the opportunities and advantages we offer to our employees and we are committed to providing high-quality benefits and programs designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. Columbus City Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life Insurance, and other voluntary benefits like Short Term Disability, Accident Insurance, and Legal Insurance. Columbus City Schools truly values healthy living and healthy minds. We offer an Employee Assistance Program to help resolve any issues that may interfere with daily life and a comprehensive wellness program that includes Weight Loss Support, Health Screenings, Fitness Classes, and so much more. For more information on the benefits offered, please visit Please note that benefits vary according to bargaining unit contract provisions and/or job classification.
01
Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in digital production, photography and video production and editing, digital marketing, public relations and/or strategic communications?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have three or more years of experience facilitating communications initiatives for a school system, non-profit organization or comparable institution?
- Yes
- No
Required Question