Title: Communications Specialist

Employment Category: S2 – Administrative Staff

Department: Office of Experience

Division: Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

Reports to: Communications Supervisor

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Communications Specialist (CS) will be responsible for coordinating and implementing internal and external communication programs that inform and motivate our faculty, staff, students, and supporters of St. Philips School & Community Center to engage with the brand. The CS is the first responder for all requests and will develop a calendar, plan implementation, create content and ensure timely and effective completion of project requests from departments within the organization as well as required external communication content. Additionally, the CS will work in an entrepreneurial way to develop a diverse scope of cross-functional communications, marketing and public relations projects. The CS will support brand positioning and consistency to ensure effective messaging across all internal and external communication channels. The communications specialist should have the ability to create visual content when needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field

• 2+ years of related and relative experience
• Must have strong organizational, attention to detail, critical thinking, and project management skills
• Must have experience with crafting communication plans, press releases, scripts, talking points, publication, and social media content
• Must have strong editing and grammar skills
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Suite and proficiency with Google Suite
• Must have the ability to follow, teach and enforce brand guidelines
• Experience with website management content system, Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is a plus
• Basic knowledge of photography and photo editing skills a plus
• Video production/editing skills is a plus
• Working knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube) is required
• Writing samples and sample social media posts are required when submitting the application
• Must have experience with project management systems
• Interviewing and storytelling experience is a plus

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ensure individual project requests from departments or external partners are completed accurately, timely and within budget
• Prepare weekly status report and run weekly meetings
• Write, edit, proofread, format, and schedule communications to publish using internal and external platforms (Hootsuite, Constant Contact, Renweb, etc.)
• Write, edit, proofread content for emails, website, monthly e-newsletter, press releases and more
• Collaborate inter-departmentally to discover and create content to write impactful, engaging brand stories
• Train to become an expert on all communications platforms (Renweb, Eventbrite, Sign-Up Genius, Constant Contact, Giving Fuel, etc.)
• Work in collaboration with other departments to produce bi-annual magazine
• Capture photos and videos as needed for use in both print and digital platforms
• Gather content for use on social media platforms
• Assist Communications Supervisor with development and creation of annual communication plans
• Participate in team brainstorming sessions and projects that require creativity and innovation
• Perform other duties as assigned within role of Communications Department

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and manage multiple simultaneous project timelines and tasks list through completion

• Be a self-motivated, problem solver. Research first, provide details discovered to date, and then ask for direction to complete

• Demonstrate good communication skills, verbally, non-verbally, and in writing

• Excellent verbal & written communication skills

• Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines

• Self-motivated, self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team

• Highly detail orientated with strong organizational and project management skills

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills in order to work alongside other teams, as well as the ability to explain processes and techniques effectively to all levels of employees (including senior leadership)

• Ability to think beyond the day and proactively drive projects and initiatives to completion

• Ability to develop impactful brand stories that include but are not limited to topics related to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, community engagement and philanthropy

• Possess the innate ability to bring creativity to every project and task, always thinking outside the box, pushing the envelope and offering fresh, innovative and trending ideas

• Skilled and/or ability to quickly learn a variety of software and platforms: Intranets, CMS, blogs, Giving Fuel (donation site), Constant Contact, Eventbrite, Sign-Up Genius, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite [InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop], Microsoft Office [Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook], etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sitting, walking and standing for an extended period of time are required functions of the role. A person must exhibit manual dexterity, hear and understand speech at normal levels; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. A person must be able to attend events on and off campus, this includes activities on some evenings and weekends. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.