Classification:  Admin/ Professional

Exemption Status/Test:  Exempt/Creative Professional      

Job Grade: 3

Department:   Communications

Reports To:  Director of Communications

Job Goal:

As a member of the Communications team, the Communication Specialist is a customer-centric communicator dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that highlight Region 4's impact on the educational community. This role combines a creative approach with compelling storytelling to foster customer loyalty and attract new clients to the Region 4 brand.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree, in Communication or a related field, preferred. Seven years of equivalent work experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

1. Three years of related professional work experience in communication
2. Three years of video production software experience
3. Three years of social media scheduling software experience

Special Knowledge and Skills:

1. Excellent verbal communication skills including interpersonal communication, public speaking, and conducting presentations
2. Excellent written communication skills, including the development of copy for print and digital communication collateral
3. Strong track record of success managing complex, multi-channel communication projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
4. Expert proficiency in a variety of software programs, primarily Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Canva

Preferred Experience

1. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
2. Website content management

Major Responsibilities:

1. Communication
   • Tell compelling stories about the impact of Region 4 products, professional learning, and services in relevant media channels to attract potential customers.
   • Create engaging video storytelling content to increase customer engagement.
   • Contribute to the content development for monthly newsletters to internal and external customers.
   • Host a Region 4 podcast to enhance Region 4’s position as a thought leader in the education sector.
   • Draft internal communications to ensure all Region 4 employees understand company goals and where they fit within the organization.
   • Collaborate with graphic designers and internal customers as needed to produce high-quality, on-brand communication collateral.
   • Collaborate with marketing specialists to produce high-quality, error-free copy for advertisements, website content, and newsletter articles.
   • Support the webmaster to maintain relevant and on-brand messaging on Region 4 websites.
   • Implement strong time management strategies to meet the deadlines of concurrent departmental communication plans.
2. Branding
   • Maintain a brand image that resonates with the target audience, supports our mission and values, and is consistent across all channels and assets.
   • Promote the value of brand management to internal stakeholders by assuring communication campaigns adhere to brand standards.
3. Public relations
   • Provide comprehensive communication support for internal and external Region 4 events in collaboration with the Strategic Communication and Engagement team.
   • Draft press releases to establish a relationship with local media, increase customer engagement, and enhance Region 4’s credibility.
4. Social media
   • Develop and execute routine and on-demand social media campaigns to engage with customers, build brand recognition, and promote our products and services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.