Coordinator, Media Relations - Marketing & Communications

Under general supervision, plans and executes strategic media/communications programs that position the District in a positive manner in social and traditional media platforms; engages in effective working relationships with media outlets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS--Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilitiesmayinclude, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares articles and press releases for the media. 
• Ensures the District protects and promotes its image in a proper, coordinated, and consistent manner. 
• Cultivates and enhances collaborative working relationships within the press and publicity community. 
• Manages the flow of news about the organization to the media. 
• Gathers and disseminates timely information to press and staff. 
• Optimizes communication system to enhance accuracy of communication. 
• Creates effective communication channels; monitors effectiveness and implements changes/improvements in procedures as necessary. 
• Seeks out opportunities for awareness and positioning; crafts message and promotes effectively. 
• Acts as a media spokesperson on behalf of the company and address questions and complaints. 
• Develops relationships with national and regional press contacts to ensure the District’s reputation is promoted and to deflect criticism. 
• Plans and oversees press events. 
• Detects public relations issues as they emerge and addresses them directly. 
• Researches and composes briefing materials. 
• Assembles press kits. 
• Composes and edits press releases, company literature, and articles for internal and external use. 
• Prepares articles and press releases for the media. 
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures. 
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, Public Relations, or related field; AND four (4) years of experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, marketing, journalism, and public communications. 
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment. 
• Correct English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. 
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication. 
• Computer graphic design techniques and software application packages. 
• Principles of record keeping and records management. 
• Public educations systems and the mission of urban education.

Skill in:

• Maintaining composure in crisis situations in a fast-paced, energetic environment. 
• Effective verbal and written communication. 
• Preparing communications and public relations information for diverse audiences. 
• Writing, reviewing, editing and developing a variety of communications materials. 
• Developing and producing communications materials, and merging text and graphics. 
• Communicating effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse groups. 
• Visualizing, configuring, shooting and editing photographs. 
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. 
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software. 
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Bargaining Unit: AMP l Grade: 64 l Salary Range*: From $77,722- $97,064 per year l FLSA Status: Exempt

*The salary range is provided by the collective bargaining agreement associated with this position. Actual pay will be based on selected candidates’ experience.

MPS Offers a Desirable Benefits Package!

• Pension (Employee Contribution) with District Match 
• MN Deferred Compensation 
• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays in addition to Paid Time Off 
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) access to free, confidential consultation with counselors in the areas of personal and work concerns 
• LegalSheild/IDShield access to legal advice 
• Wellness and Fitness Programs 
• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans 
• Flexible Spending Account Options 
• and More!