Job Information
Cedar Rapids Community School District Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Marketing and Community Engagement 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.