Communications Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

PURPOSE: The Chester Upland School District is committed to addressing inequitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By enhancing leadership capabilities at all levels, we will foster collaboration, efficiency, and accountability to drive sustainable equity. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, careers, and global contributions, ready to shape a better future. 
MISSION: The Chester Upland School District is committed to providing all students the opportunity to achieve excellence in the four A's: Academics, Athletics, Arts, and Activities.
 
The senior leadership team continues to build a talented and committed team to ensure all students are prepared to graduate from Chester Upland schools career and college ready! The C.O.R.E. is the foundation of the Chester Upland School District’s vision and mission.

C.O.R.E.:
C- Children First: The well-being and continuous learning of every child will drive decisions.
O- One Chester Upland: With dedicated community of partners, parents, students and staff, we will excel, united as One Chester Upland.
R- Reimagining: Through a mode of continuous improvement, we will apply four important levers for change, collaboration, capacity building, deepening knowledge of pedagogy, and focusing direction to improve outcomes for all.
E- Equity, Excellence, and Emotional Intelligence: We will ensure equitable access to a quality education that includes emotional intelligence and leads to excellence across all opportunities and services. 

Primary Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent, the Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing communications to share Chester Upland School District’s mission and activities with all internal and external stakeholders. This position is responsible for media relations and marketing.

The Communications Coordinator requires a high degree of interpersonal skill, customer service orientation, and human relations ability. Examples demonstrative of high-quality service may include, but are not limited to, prompt responses to inquiries, professional and courteous verbal and non-verbal communication, and proactive problem solving in a highly confidential environment.


Essential Functions

1. Direct the district’s internal and external communications, efforts, and programs.
2. Manage media inquiries, coordinate media interviews, work to maintain positive relationships with media members; serve as the district spokesperson, when appropriate.
3. Collaborate with the leadership team on communication strategies; provide guidance and support for communications to the press and community.
4. Plan and maintain a publications calendar with regular (daily, weekly, monthly) posts including press releases, articles, email, newsletters, web content, social media, calendar events, and other content.
5. Attend school events to source content, images, and videos.
6. Update and maintain district and school website and social media accounts.
7. Produce clear, concise, accurate, and engaging written content for various district publications and platforms.
8. Produce images, photos, and videos to effectively communicate district updates, co-curricular events, student stories, and other activities.
9. Coordinate and design district publications from concept to completion and distribution.
10. Review analytics to evaluate the reach and effectiveness of communication efforts.
11. Attend all regular and committee meetings of the Receiver/School Board of Directors.
12. Collaborate with district and building leaders to improve and strengthen communications.
13. Assist in the planning and execution of district activities.
14. Cultivate contacts within the community including other school districts, local municipalities, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations.
15. Serve on community organization committees and boards; represent the district and participates in professional organizations.

Additional Duties
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the district’s safety and security program.
                Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 
Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone.
• Uses calculating devices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Visual Acuity: Sufficient eyesight to effectively read and interpret significant amounts of written materials, including correspondence, reports, and data displayed on computer screens.
• Auditory Acuity: Ability to clearly understand telephone and in-person oral communication for effective interaction with colleagues, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Manual Dexterity: Skill in using hands and fingers to operate various office equipment, such as computers, printers, telephones, and other tools necessary for daily tasks.
• Clear and District Speech: Ability to communicate verbally in a manner is easily understood by others.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, perform complex arithmetic operations and use calculators.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to problem-solve job-related issues.
• Ability to process paperwork accurately according to standardized procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding school district financial and other information.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Sit 50%; walk, stand 50%; some lifting, up to 50 lbs.
• See the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

Qualification Profile
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
Qualifications:

• Three or more years’ experience in communications, public relations, advertising, or a related field is required; Experience in an academic setting preferred
• BA/BS in Communications, Marketing, Digital Design, or related degree preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required, crisis communication experience is a plus
• Proficiency with contemporary social media platforms and publication/design/photo software is required; Experience with WordPress and Google Workspace is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders is essential
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and access to personal transportation required.
• Pre-employment requirements as designated by PA School Code.

FLSA  status:       Exempt
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. 12 month (260-262 days)
2. Salary and Benefits in accordance with Act 93 Non-Supervisory agreement
3. $75,000.00 - 95,000.00 annually

The information in this job description is for compliance with Chester Upland School District Board Policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position. The incumbent may perform or be assigned other duties. 
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CUSD ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 267-916-5169.