Primary Purpose:

The purpose of the GCISD Department of Communications Services is to support the district’s mission, vision and

core beliefs through a two-way communication program with internal and external publics that promotes the

successes and accomplishments of the district and its students and staff; informs stakeholders of the objectives,

policies, needs and procedures of the district; increases awareness of matters of state and national importance that

affect the district; fosters community support and a positive image of the district and it’s schools and programs; and

emphasizes the district’s commitment to continuous educational improvement and success for every student.

The role of the Communications Coordinator is to work alongside department staff in promoting news and

announcements of the district, with a particular focus on website design, content management and news promotion.

This role will work to publicize news and announcements regarding the district’s instructional initiatives, student and

staff accomplishments, and events and activities to increase awareness and participation among parents, community

and media. This position will serve as the secondary resource for media and backup to the Director for daily

departmental tasks, including being on-call after hours when needed.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in journalism or communications from an accredited college or university and

will have 3+ years of communication-related or school public relations writing experience, as well as 3+ years of

experience managing and providing content and design for a website.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, proof-reading and research skills

• Knowledge of HTML code and JavaScript

• Ability to comprehend complex instructional strategies/initiatives and communicate for understanding with

non-educators

• Ability to consistently meet deadlines

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple priority projects

• Knowledge of AP Style, preferred

• General knowledge of digital photography

• Working knowledge and experience with using a web content management system, and various computer

programs including Microsoft Office, Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat Professional (QuarkXpress, InDesign

are a plus)

• Initiative, positive attitude and strong work ethic

• Reliable transportation to and from district events

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Oversee daily communications and publicity through web and social multimedia; compile, produce and

disseminate weekly FastNews e-blast to community subscribers; research, write and disseminate news

releases; and send “packaged” story ideas to media.

2. Primary point-of-contact for district website, design and maintain site, work with campus subsite directors,

and identify and provide necessary training to assure overall quality in content and design.

3. Create regular content and photos for Facebook, Twitter and share content ideas with others in the

department for video, LEAD 2021 and bond websites, and GCISD@Our Best blog.

4. Serve as a resource for media, answering calls and basic questions, researching questions, assisting the

Director in formulating official statements, coordinating interviews and implementing crisis communications.

5. Actively participate/assist in the implementation of the district’s LEAD 2021 communications strategy;

provide guidance, direction and support for administrators, campus leaders and teachers in communicating

with their specific audiences.

6. Assist with processing Public Information Act requests and Freedom of Information Act requests in

accordance with state and federal statutes.

7. Develop and implement targeted and ongoing communication-related training for employees as defined in

LEAD 2021 communications strategy.

8. Attend Board of Trustees meetings, serving as backup to Director and/or Multimedia Communications

specialist as needed.

9. Participate in all relevant district meetings including A-Team, Emergency/Crisis Management Team, special

purpose groups and after-hours district and community functions as needed.

10. Assist with special events planning and preparation.

11. Assist with special-project writings, publications and presentations as assigned including brochures,

community reports and marketing materials.

12. Prepare and manage departmental budget under the oversight and approval of the Director.

Working Conditions:

This position directly reports to the Director of Communication Services and has supervisory functions over two

receptionists for the Administration Complex. The Communications Coordinator works in an office setting within the

Administration Complex, with regular travel to schools and facilities within the district.

Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Demonstrate patience, flexibility and professionalism when interacting with students, staff, parents, visitors,

and members of the community

• Standing, squatting, kneeling and other positions as necessary for photographing district news

• Periods of sitting as needed to complete writing and website projects

• Maintain emotional control under stress

• Work with frequent interruptions

• Regular district-wide travel

• Ability to attend after-hours district and community events