Job Title: Community Engagement Specialist
| Reports to: | Director of Strategic Communications |
| Job Group: | Professional Technical |
| FLSA: | Exempt |
| Job Code: | TBD |
| Salary Schedule: | APT01 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for encouraging, developing, and maintaining two-way communication between the District and its various stakeholders and for providing resources to schools and District staff to enhance their communication efforts to improve public perception and District support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with District staff and administration to develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement plan and campaign that aligns with the goals of the District and that supports and promotes Pasco County Schools.
- Assist in coordinating and planning the operation of community outreach and the implementation of activities that build partnerships and foster stronger community relations.
- Guide the community engagement taskforce in alignment with the vision and mission of the District.
- Establish communication channels such as emails, newsletters, Let’s Talk, and social media to improve interactions and increase internal and external communications with stakeholders.
- Maintain open lines of communication with schools and departments to develop and improve effective communication plans to ensure the community and parents/guardians are kept abreast of current District initiatives and information.
- Develop and maintain relationships with parents, teachers, community organizations, and government agencies by creating effective communication strategies for the purpose of increasing student achievement.
- Assist in the preparation of the budget to support community engagement projects and activities.
- Prepare reports and collect information needed by the Superintendent, administration, School Board, the media, and the public, while maintaining confidentiality and retention as required.
- Prepare newsletters, the annual report, and other publications as directed and in collaboration with the department.
- Provide training and strategies in effective communication and community engagement to District and school stakeholders.
- Assist in the coordination of various recognition programs for students, employees, schools, and community members/groups and in the planning of special events for recognition and awards for the District and provide the Board and administrative staff with this information as needed.
- Serve on internal and external committees and community groups to establish positive networks and expand outreach efforts.
- Collaborate with the Pasco Education Foundation, Inc. to support schools through community support activities and projects.
- Attend training sessions, conferences, and workshops to keep up to date on best practices in the field, current developments, and laws, rules, and policies that impact community engagement.
- Serve as a District representative at emergency shelters as determined by the Superintendent and provide leadership to ensure a secure work environment during an emergency or crisis situation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of Florida statutes and legislative processes as they relate to education
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes
- Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
- Ability to effectively engage in the problem-solving process
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, Business, Political Science, Education, or related field
- Three years’ experience in public relations, education, journalism, or business
- OR
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
- None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, Business, Political Science, Education, or related field
- Five years’ experience in public relations, education, journalism, or business
- Two years’ experience with news media
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as Light Work.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
