Description
DEFINITION
The primary duties of the Public Information Officer (PIO) are to plan, develop and implement the Roaring Fork School District's public relations and public information programs, organize and prepare public information, serve as a communication consultant for District leadership, Board of Education (Board), and schools, and disseminate information using a variety of methods and media. The PIO is under the supervision of the Superintendent and serves as a member of the District's Executive Team. The PIO provides senior-level communications counsel and support to the District, Board, and school leadership relating to issues, initiatives, and events affecting the reputation and public trust of the District and its schools.
The PIO also provides management, and expertise in the development and implementation of an internal and external communications program that supports the mission, vision, multi-year strategic plan, and goals of the District, the Board, and its schools. The PIO develops, and implements strategic communications regarding all aspects of the District's public information program; advises upon and manages effective media, community, and public relations; and facilitates a variety of public information and community relations activities, events, projects, inclusive to internal and external communications.
This is a half time, year round position.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the superintendent. Provides direct supervision for bilingual communications specialists.
PRIMARY DUTIES
District and Board Support
- Serve as chief communication strategist on district initiatives, goals, and priorities with focus on forward looking message and communications planning.
- Oversee bilingual communication specialist staff member.
- Identify periodic and ongoing communications needs and priorities, and develop strategies, plans, and initiatives to address the needs and priorities.
- Organize and implement communication efforts of the District by coordinating staff, family, and community communications of the District and Board.
- Serve as the District spokesperson or prepare the appropriate staff member(s) to serve that function.
- Review and edit content submitted for the District's website and social media accounts, submitted by bilingual communication specialists and school communication leads.
- Attend relevant Board of Education meetings, make presentations as assigned.
- Advise school board, staff, and administrators when delivering messages to the media during times of crisis. May act as the district spokesman in times of crisis.
- Coach and assist building and department leaders in developing and implementing building communication plans and brand consistency.
- Develop and assist in maintaining positive working relationships with business and community leaders, area educators and administrators, elected officials, opinion leaders, and other key constituencies.
- Participate in local PIO groups and coordinate with communication professionals as needed in response to crises and in support of local initiatives and efforts.
- Implement and continue to strengthen the comprehensive District communication plan.
- Provide professional public relations support to the Superintendent, administration and Board.
Media Relations
- Write, edit, and distribute information to media outlets and communities through newsletters, Op-Ed pieces, press releases, flyers, brochures, newspaper inserts or advertisements.
- Serve as spokesperson for the District and assist the press with developing stories and organizing media site visits.
Special Projects
- Coordinate the preparation and dissemination of the District's publications, brochures and special reports.
- Coordinate informational campaigns for District elections.
- Write for all marketing campaigns including, but not limited to, website, emails and radio ads.
- Other special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge Of:
Principles and techniques of journalism, AP style, public relations, promotion, marketing, and advertising.
Methods and techniques of writing, layout, and production for mass media.
Newspaper, radio, television, social media networks, and other communication media resources.
Public communication strategy
Advanced knowledge of google apps, web content and information management systems.
Newsletter creation tools.
Mass notification systems for delivery of information to parents.
Brand development and brand management.
Public speaking techniques.
Ability To:
Obtain, organize, and develop information material for audiences of varied interest.
Exercise sound judgment in the release of information and materials to the public and media.
Write and edit news releases, articles, reports for distribution through appropriate channels.
Effectively communicate and present information both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain positive and effective interpersonal relationships with staff, the Board and media outlets. Motivate, inspire and move others into action to achieve assigned goals.
Plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Develop and maintain strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, collaboration and creative thinking.
Travel throughout the District.
Serve as the spokesperson for the District.
Work independently with little direction and maintain confidentiality of District information.
Fluency in both Spanish and English (written and spoken) is preferred.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Education and experience sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples may include a Master's Degree with two years of communications, journalism or public relations experience or a Bachelor's degree with five years experience; or equivalent education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to coordinate communication. Degree in journalism, communication, public relations or related field preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Must be available for two evenings per month plus occasional weekend and evening events.
Physical Conditions:
Primary functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of times; use of computer keyboard; light lifting and carrying.
Salary, Days Worked and Benefits
Salary Range - $52,500 - $66,203 depending on experience
This is an exempt, year round position
Days worked: 252 days/year
Benefits: The Roaring Fork School District offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid personal and sick leave, paid parental, a robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of 21.4% of an employee's wages each month, Employee Assistance programs, a district wellness program, and access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.