MESD encourages and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.MESD is committed to encouraging and enhancing timely, responsive, and transparent communication and engagement within our agency and with our component school districts and community. We provide accurate, relevant, and timely information and engagement support through a variety of channels to build trust, strengthen relationships, and positively impact student achievement.

Per OAR 333-019-1030, MESD is requiring all newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated.

MESD offers a generous benefits package - 100% employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, long term disability and life insurances. MESD pays the maximum 6% contribution to your Public Employees Retirement account (PERS). Staff receive paid holidays, ample sick time and personal time off.

Days per fiscal year: 240

Start date: February 1, 2022

Classification: Confidential Contracted (Non-Represented)

Salary Range: SPA01

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Strategic Communication and Public Affairs Administrator will develop, maintain and coordinate a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy. The incumbent will work collaboratively with senior leadership to develop and implement communication strategies to broaden the impact of MESD's programs and overall messaging.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the administrative direction and in support of the Board of Education and Superintendent of MESD, lead the creation, development and implementation of the Districts’ strategic communications plans and programs, with an emphasis on written communications, digital content, social media and web-based strategies; manage staff in providing content; lead development of community outreach programs and calendars of related events; provide project direction, guidance and oversight to ensure the dissemination of accurate information across a variety of district communication mediums internal and external.

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

• Trust: Develop trust among coworkers through honesty and fairness.
• Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
• Vision: Lead with vision and follow-through.
• Personal Qualities: Be respectful, caring and courageous.
• Management Style: Be visible, humble and a team player.
• Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in, and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD.
• Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as liaison officer between the district and the news media and supervise the production and distribution of all news releases; arrange for press conferences as required; and prepare press kits for distribution to reporters covering Board meetings and public hearings. This will include crisis communication planning.
• Serve as information liaison between the total school system and the community at large (community outreach).
• Ability to organize community meetings.
• Set annual objectives for the district’s public information program.
• Develop budgetary guidelines, establish priorities, and participate in the preparation of annual budgets and reports, and present them to the Superintendent at prescribed budget meetings.
• Receive and process public information and records requests per ORS 192 and MESD Board Policy
• Lead development of the District’s communications and community outreach plans; oversee creation of a wide variety of district-wide written, digital, web and social media communications, multicultural outreach and marketing and public relations materials; consult with key district stakeholders to lead the creation of various print media communication products such as press releases, posters or graphic design, digital media such as web design, videos, social media and related communications.
• Direct the district’s public affairs programs provide public affairs advice and interpretation for district administration and the MESD Board, and to serve as chief spokesperson for the agency to coordinate responses to media in crisis and/or sensitive situations.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of district demographics, geography, MESD programs, staff and budget in order to answer questions and provide assistance and serve as agency liaison to the public, other agencies, community, and component school districts.
• Direct activities which increase the visibility and understanding of MESD by using internal and external marketing strategies.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the agenda for the supervisors’ meeting to ensure professional staff development.
• Attend MESD school, MESD fundraising, or component district functions to obtain reporting information.
• Draft professional newsletters, publications, annual reports, shared services communications, and accountability reports.
• Update and maintain information on MESD’s website and DAS Transparency State Website to ensure accuracy, up-to-date information, and professional image.
• Remain current and well-informed legislation that may affect MESD; ensure timely distribution of pertinent legislative information, and attend applicable legislature activities.
• Develop network of contacts to keep apprised of availability of grant funding opportunities, keep appropriate staff informed of available grant opportunities, and prepare and/or assist in the evaluation and preparation of grant proposals, interim and final reports for grants.
• Remain current with professional practices in public affairs/communications, and resource development through memberships in professional organizations, attendance at workshops and conferences, and reading of professional journals and other publications.
• Coordinate weather communications with the superintendent and notify Flash News Alert.
• Attend staff meetings within Programs and Program events, as needed or requested.
• Maintains consistent and regular attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal relations skills in working with diverse groups, individuals and organizations.
• Effective written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective collations.
• Demonstrated project organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Superior ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proven ability to provide exceptional customer service
• Detail oriented.
• Effective project management planning, budgeting, organizing, and cost control techniques.
• Highly motivated and works well independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient in the use of MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Some comfort with Adobe Acrobat Professional and/or Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with website development and content management.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, as needed or requested.

EDUCATION:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on public relations, journalism and/or communications.

Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual, Active memberships in media associations such as AAJA, NABJ, NAHJ, SPJ, RTNDA or similar organizations.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least five (5) years of experience in public relations or a related communications discipline, one year of which must include successful experience leading staff or teams is required.
• Experience working in a large urban school district or complex public organization is highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid driver’s license. Work hours will include evening and weekend activities and meetings and employees are required to maintain a flexible schedule. Employees may occasionally receive little-to-no advance notice of change in work hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office and school building environment with extensive student, parent and public contact and frequent interruptions.

Hazards: Potential conflict situations.

Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods

of time; kneeling, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying office equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.