**Per Governor Browns vaccine mandate, MESD is requiring all newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated **

We offer a generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx plan, flex spending accounts, employee assistance program (EAP), paid holidays, basic & voluntary life insurance, STD/LTD & employer paid contribution into PERS (Oregon Public Employees Retirement System). We support our employees’ continued education through our Tuition Reimbursement Program.

Department:  Communications 

Days per school year:  260 - Full Year

Number of Positions:  Three (3)

Hours per week:  40

Start Date:  As Soon As Possible  

REPORTS TO:               Department or Program Director

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Senior Communications Specialist supports programmatic and agency communication needs through media creation and distribution. This role provides communication support at the program, agency and regional level. This position is also responsible for collection and analysis of data to support program evaluation and communication. The Senior Communication Specialist is also a key support for collaborations with research and grant writing. 

NATURE & SCOPE:

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable State and Federal statutes.  This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility. This position reports to the Program or Department Director.

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

1. Trust: Develop trust among coworkers through honesty and fairness.
2. Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
3. Vision: Lead with vision and follow-through.
4. Personal Qualities: Be respectful, caring and courageous.
5. Management Style: Be visible, humble and a team player.
6. Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in, and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Researches and writes press releases, and content for the agency or program website, infographics, blogs, newsletters, etc.
2. Helps develop and adheres to the agency or program style guide, ensuring  high-quality and error-free copy products.
3. Works with key internal and external role-players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with the agency’s or program’s strategy and in support of various initiatives.
4. Supports and evaluates the results of communication campaigns.
5. Works as part of a team and serves as a resource in the escalation of customer support requests.
6. Contributes and facilitates analysis, research, and program evaluation to support decision-making at the program, department, school, agency and regional level.
7. Supports the strategic use of  analytics to drive programming and communication decisions for program or agency. 
8. Analyzes performance of program outcomes data through the use of qualitative and quantitative analysis and utilization database software.
9. Assembles, cleans, manages, and analyzes large datasets for accountability, research, evaluation and performance management projects.
10. Supports the development, definition, and calculation of  metrics for analyzing outcomes and achievement.
11. Develops evaluation and data collection instruments including staff and stakeholder surveys.
12. Interprets and communicates findings through preparation of written reports, infographics, and oral presentations.
13. Advises and assists programs, departments, schools, and partner agencies with data analysis. 
14. Promotes, publicizes and archives agency  news, activities and successes in the improvement of learning, teaching and student achievement through all communication platforms and area media outlets including print, imagery and video.
15. Coordinates and monitor communications between the agency and community including social media.
16. Assists in planning and publicizing events or activities.
17. Provides creative support for internal and external communication efforts including print publications, web sites, electronic communication, community engagement, media and video productions.
18. Provides support to program or agency staff as needed related to the use of communication platforms.
19. Attends off­hours district meetings and events to gather information and media for publication.
20. Prepares information packets as necessary for stakeholders.
21. Serves as a liaison and facilitator to communicate (verbally and in writing), coordinate, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders (both internal and external) to ensure deadlines, goals, and objectives are met. 
22. Collaborates with external partners to support agency needs. 
23. Supports and/or writes grant applications for program or agency as needed. 
24. Independently identifies, establishes and completes work priorities and accomplishes tasks in a timely manner.
25. Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective communication program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

1. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. 
2. Demonstrated skills in writing published content  and copy editing. 
3. Ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups. 
4. Demonstrated success in implementing strong communication campaigns. 
5. Thorough knowledge of media operations. 
6. Experience with web design, publication, and graphic design. 
7. Extensive knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms.
8. Competencies in desktop publishing skills and graphic production and design (Experience with Adobe Creative Suite programs including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign).
9. Experience with gathering and editing video. 
10. Ability to adapt to emerging technologies. 
11. Possess problem solving skills and reasoning ability. 
12. Ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders that supports a cooperative work environment.
13. Ability to understand the purpose and detailed functions of a software applications. 
14. Experience with data analysis tools or software. 
15. Ability to correlate the software with the model and purpose. 
16. Advanced skills using Microsoft Office and Google products (especially Excel and Word). 
17. Ability to analyze problems, provide recommendations, and implement solutions with a high degree of accuracy. 
18. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, and ability to deal with a variety of situations. 
19. Works well in a team environment. 
20. Ability to communicate fluently in English, verbally and in writing. 
21. Ability to read, analyze and interpret job-related business periodicals, professional journals, technical manuals or governmental regulations. 
22. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. 
23. Ability to understand and maintain security and confidentiality of information following department, agency and State/Federal standards, such as HIPAA and FERPA. 
24. Ability to lead and facilitate stakeholder conversations or meetings. 
25. Demonstrated ability to speak in front of large audiences. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with a significant communications and quantitative focus, such as social science, journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, education, public health, statistics or a related field.
2. Minimum 2 years of data analysis experience, or experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently 
3. Minimum of 3 year of experience working in journalism, communications, public relations, graphic design or a related field, preferably in an educational or public health environment.
4. Bilingual in Spanish, Russian or Vietnamese preferred but not required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position may require travel to events and locations across the region. This position will be based in a normal office environment. The noise level in this work environment is usually quiet. However this position also requires travel to school and event locations with varying noise, light and physical environments. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is  required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers; handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. 

MENTAL FUNCTIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to compare, analyze, compute, synthesize, evaluate, compile data and draft reports. The employee is frequently required to communicate, instruct, and use interpersonal skills. The employee is occasionally required to copy and coordinate with community and educational partners.