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PLEASE VISIT Public Information Specialist | Job Details tab | Career Pages (schooljobs.com) TO APPLY DIRECTLY WITH OUR DISTRICT.
BASIC POSITION INFORMATION
BASIC POSITION INFORMATION
Under general supervision of the Superintendent, performs specialized clerical and support work in the implementation of the District’s Public Information program, including the use of social media tools; to assist in the areas of special events public relations, media liaison, and publications regarding the District, its programs, and general education issues; and to do other related work as assigned. Work independently to prepare and disseminate the district’s Public Information through internal and external publications, social media accounts, and news media. Incumbents in this classification provide updated information and media linkage support for the entire Charter Oak Unified School District community, directly supporting learning.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar to, related to, or a logical assignment to this class.
- Develops, implements, and coordinates the District’s Public Information program relative to the district, its programs, and education issues;
- Develops, prepares, edits, and disseminates news releases, publications, promotional materials, and social media messaging in compliance with policies, regulations, and guidelines concerning Public Information Determines and recommends story selection, coverage for news articles and publications, sites, and programs to be featured in news stories, and posts for social media as part of a planned information and communications program Build on community strengths and embrace diversity and inclusion;
- Writes copy, edits material, designs layout, and arranges for printing and distribution of materials for District newsletters, publications, and brochures;
- Prepare and issue news releases and other information on articles of importance for presentation to the news media Manages, designs, develop, and update information content on the District’s social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), posting new content, maintaining current content, and removing outdated posts;
- Updates and maintains links and posts new content information on the Charter Oak Unified School District’s website home page; monitors school site and program websites;
- Schedules and coordinates interviews, conferences, and other similar activities with District personnel and media representatives and other activities in which both school and community groups are involved Maintains communication and positive relations with news media;
- Assists in the coordination and conduct of special events and projects as needed; arranges media or public relations tours and provides appropriate information to the local chambers of commerce, realtors, city government, and other agencies;
- Conducts outreach activities and coordinates event volunteers;
- Schedules and attends a variety of meetings, events, and activities;
- Takes photographs and provides for photographic layouts and video/film presentations of appropriate school activities and District programs for use in media, publications, and presentations;
- Assists in the organization and production of employee recognition programs;
- Gathers and preserves photos, information, district-related news clippings, and other related documents Maintains necessary files, records, and mailing lists;
- Performs other duties as assigned and appropriate.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF
- Utilize a variety of software to prepare publications, webpages, social media accounts, and promotional materials Write reports, news releases, and related data;
- Use cameras and other photographic equipment effectively;
- Take quality photographs of events for use in various communication media;
- Principles and practices used in preparing, producing, and disseminating Public Information as part of an overall program of promotional and informative public relations activities;
- Legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guidelines about the distribution of news and Public Information Fundamentals of writing, composition, layout, and production of mass-media communications;
- Proper journalism practices;
- Methods, techniques, and procedures for the preparation of news releases, new copy, promotional brochures, and other informational materials;
- News media and other informational distribution resources;
- Appropriate English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling and editing, and proofreading techniques Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy;
- The principles and appropriate use of graphics and photographic materials in the creation and presentation of informational materials;
- Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment;
- Telephone techniques and etiquette.
ABILITY TO
- Organize, design, layout, and edit Public Information and promotional materials to communicate effectively and skillfully, in words and visual images, the District’s message on a variety of current topics;
- Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual formats utilizing journalistic and technical writing style Deal tactfully and effectively with employees, media representatives, elected public officials; District staff, parents, and a variety of community stakeholders, maintaining positive working relationships;
- Maintain cooperative personal relationships with press and media representatives, educators, parents, and the public Perform and organize a wide variety of complex tasks with accuracy and meet varying deadlines Work confidentially with discretion, exercising professional judgment in the release of information and materials to the public and communications media;
- Present material simply, graphically, and pictorially;
- Acquire conceptual and working knowledge of programs, policies, and schools and effectively communicate these topics in words and images;
- Work independently with little direction;
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal supervision;
- Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships;
- Promote team building and a positive work environment;
- Adapt quickly to work assignments, additional priorities, and new procedures;
- Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately;
- Prioritize and identify needs and solve problems independently as appropriate;
- Suggest procedural improvements to supervisors as appropriate;
- Skillfully handle difficult situations using good judgment;
- Maintain a high level of professionalism in keeping the needs of customers a top priority;
- Learn and use effectively and skillfully various software for producing print and electronic media to disseminate information and maintain the District’s Website and social media presence (e.g., such as word processing, Photoshop, Publisher, Adobe PageMaker, Facebook, Twitter, etc.);
- Make arrangements for meetings, workshops, conferences, and media interviews;
- Set schedules and meet timelines;
- Drive a vehicle to conduct work;
- May be required to work some evenings and weekends.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- An Associate or Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, graphic/media design, or a closely related field is preferred;
- Experience in journalism, public relations, media writing, communications, or other similar employment, preferably including experience in California K-12 public school organizations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bilingual Spanish desirable;
- Write and read in languages other than English.
WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT
- Incumbents in this class: work in an Indoor and outdoor work environment with direct contact with staff and the public; with continuous interruptions and changing priorities; drive a vehicle to conduct work.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone;
- Seeing to read a variety of materials;
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard;
- Sitting or standing for extended periods;
- Walking on campuses and in the District to cover events and activities;
- May require lifting to twenty (20) pounds, pushing and/or pulling of objects.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
- Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.
APPOINTMENT
- By Education Code Section 45301, an employee appointed to this class must serve a probationary period of six (6) months during which time an employee must demonstrate at least an overall satisfactory performance. Failure to do so shall result in the employee's termination.
Agency
- Charter Oak USD - Classified
Phone
- (626) 966-8331 ext. 90510
Address
- 20240 Cienega Avenue Covina, California, 91724
Website
- http://www.cousd.net
Public Information Specialist Supplemental Questionnaire
QUESTION 1
I understand that for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following supplemental questionnaire for this position. The information I provide will be reviewed and used to determine my eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. If the supplemental question is not applicable, please indicate N/A. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.
Yes
No
QUESTION 2
To be considered for this position, you must submit transcripts to the Classified Personnel office before the closing date. Transcripts may be unofficial, but official transcripts will be required by the qualifications appraisal interview. Please indicate that you have read and understand the above information by typing your full name in the box below.
QUESTION 3
Do you possess an Associate or Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or graphic/media design, or a closely related field is preferred?
Yes
No
QUESTION 4
This position requires experience in journalism, public relations, media writing, communications, or other similar employment, preferably including experience in California K-12 public school organizations. Please describe in detail how you meet or exceed these requirements (please do not state "see resume"). Please provide the name of the organization(s) you worked for while conducting these duties, along with your job title(s) and dates of employment.
QUESTION 5
Are you bilingual/biliterate in Spanish?
Yes
No
Required Question
