Communications Officer

Hermiston School District is seeking a full-time, 12 month, Communications Officer. The Communications Officer will plan and direct internal communications, district-to-patron communications, media relations, special information campaigns, and districtwide business partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS (include but are not limited to):

1. Three years of progressively responsible and demonstrated successful communications experience, preferably at an administrative/executive level.
2. The ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to all matters of business within the Office of the Superintendent; and regarding students, staff or district patrons.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
4. Excellent computer skills, including word processing and other applications (including web interface tools). Willingness to leverage technology applications to improve work processes.
5. Knowledge of efficient office procedures and practices.
6. Ability to take the initiative, to work independently, perform multiple tasks simultaneously and follow directions.
7. Flexibility and adaptability to changing activities and workloads.
8. Ability to effectively work and communicate orally and in writing with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English and Spanish, or other languages related to the job.
9. Ability to provide supervision and guidance to District Communications team.
10. High school diploma or the equivalent required; two years of vocational training or college; bachelor's degree preferred.
11. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable

About the District:
The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,600 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all children with rigorous program choices, high expectations, mutual respect, and excellence. The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, six K-5 elementary schools, and a robust online learning program option for students and families.
Support for the school district has been strong from the community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which includes replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary (opened fall 2022), construction of an additional elementary school, Loma Vista (opened fall 2022), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school (opening fall 2023), along with various district-wide renovations. The voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008. which served to replace Armand Larive Middle School, West Park Elementary, and Sunset Elementary schools.
The District employs over 630 full time staff that includes approximately 365 teachers and over 265 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally-recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where one-third of the population is Hispanic.
The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally-recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The District's partnership with community organizations has been central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly a half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.
About the Community:
The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of approximately 18,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington. Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development. Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas and more. Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses. The Columbia River offers tournament level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, wind surfing, and boating. Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir and many ponds. Nearby is Hat Rock State Park, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting, and camping activities. In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding.
Salary and Benefits: The Hermiston School District offers an extremely competitive salary and benefits package which includes PERS retirement employer-paid pick-up and a comprehensive health (family coverage) and benefits package. A full year contract consists of 260 days (July-June), which includes 20 days of vacation and 9 paid holidays. Full year salary range: $85,000-$95,000 (dependent upon education/previous relevant experience). Salary prorated for mid-school year hires.
Application Procedures:
The applicant must supply the following items online through Applicant Tracking (formerly called Recruit & Hire) https://hermiston.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx :

• Online Application form
• Cover Letter
• Professional Resume
• Letters of Recommendation (encouraged, but optional)

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure his/her application is complete. Only complete applications will be considered.
The Hermiston School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer