Marketing and Community Relations Specialist JobID: 13541 + Position Type: Specialist/Supervisor/Technician/ Specialist + Date Posted: 10/25/2024 + Location: ELSC + Date Available: ASAP    Job Title: Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist Reports To: Director of Brand Communications Department Head: Chief Data Officer Department: Office of Data Analytics, Digital Innovation and Strategic Communication Job Description: The Cedar Rapids Community School District is seeking a dynamic and strategic Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist to lead our efforts in building and maintaining a strong public presence while fostering meaningful connections within our community. This role is pivotal in crafting and executing a compelling brand narrative that resonates with district families, media partners, and the broader Cedar Rapids community. As a key member of the communications team, you will drive engagement through innovative marketing strategies, manage media relations, and collaborate across departments to share impactful stories that showcase our district's commitment to educational excellence. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Communications & Marketing: + Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that align with district goals + Create and maintain a consistent brand voice across all platforms and touchpoints + Track and analyze communication metrics to optimize engagement and reach + Execute communication initiatives aligned with the district's strategic roadmap + Manage the district's communication calendar to ensure coordinated messaging Content Creation & Management: + Lead the production of high-quality multimedia content including videos, photos, and graphics + Design and manage engaging content for various social media channels + Write compelling stories, press releases, and communications materials + Develop and maintain a content strategy that highlights student achievement, innovative programs, and community impact + Create and curate content that promotes transparency and builds trust Media Relations: + Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries + Build and maintain strong relationships with local media outlets + Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points + Prepare briefing materials for district spokespersons + Support crisis communications efforts as needed + Monitor and manage district reputation across all media channels Community Engagement: + Establish and nurture relationships with businesses, community partners, and stakeholders + Represent the district at community events and functions + Identify and coordinate district participation in community initiatives + Manage event communications and district presence at community activities + Foster collaborative partnerships that support district initiatives Project Management: + Coordinate and oversee multiple communication projects simultaneously + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and share district stories + Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables + Ensure alignment of all communications with strategic objectives Qualifications: Education & Experience: + Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, digital media, or related field (or 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree) + Minimum of 3 years professional experience in marketing, communications, or public relations + Experience in education sector communications preferred + Demonstrated success in media relations and community engagement Required Skills: + Expertise in social media strategy and multimedia content creation + Strong project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple priorities + Excellence in both written and verbal communication + Proficiency in digital marketing tools and analytics + Experience with media relations and press release writing + Strong news judgment and story identification abilities + Demonstrated ability to build and maintain community partnerships Key Competencies: + Creative and innovative mindset with passion for storytelling + Strategic thinking with ability to align communications with organizational goals + Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities + Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations + Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative approach + Adaptability and willingness to adjust strategies based on feedback Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 Physical Demands: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee: + Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to handle objects + Must be able to squat, stoop, kneel, and reach above head level + May need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for distances up to 12 feet + Requires close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus while working with computers and various materials + May need to push/pull items such as tables and carts + Will frequently work in different areas of the district Work Environment: + Typically quiet office environment with occasional exposure to typical school environment noise levels + May require extended hours beyond typical 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. workday + Work performed in various district locations including offices, classrooms, and event spaces + Indoor temperature-controlled environment + May require evening and weekend hours for community events and activities Equal Opportunity Statement: The Cedar Rapids Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. Accommodation Notice: Federal law obligates us to provide reasonable accommodation(s) for the known disabilities of applicants, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. If you or someone you know requires accommodation in the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 319-558-2747.