VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT December 13, 2022

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

POSITION SUMMARY:

To support the school system’s communications efforts including, but not limited to, media relations, publications, marketing and public relations, special events, community outreach, public information, website, social media, and all other electronic communications.

DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES

INCLUDE

Advises the Manager of Communications on a variety of public relations and community relations issues, community activities and events, media relations and other community information and issues affecting the Harford County Public Schools.

Serves in an on-call role answering media inquiries and supporting system and school specific communications as needed after-hours.

Assists in coordination of inter-agency and public outreach during critical incidents, emergency situations, and operational changes.

Supports strategic media relations, community relations, and crisis communications.

Assists in writing speeches, talking points, and messaging for key school system initiatives.

Provides counsel and support to individual schools and programs to help them meet their communications objectives and enhance their community engagement efforts.

Assists in developing, managing, implementing, and evaluating a system-wide communications plan that supports consistent, clear, positive, proactive, and open communication with both internal and external stakeholders that is aligned with and supportive of district goals and objectives.

Assists in the production of all external communications; develops and maintains ongoing relationships with key constituents, assists in conducting public opinion research and analyzing information, and assists in providing public relations counsel to executive leadership.

Enforces the consistent use of specific communication and visual identity standards throughout the system.

Assists in proactively communicating the system’s messages, positions, and information to all stakeholders through multiple channels, including many technical platforms.

Maintains daily outreach and agency branding on multiple social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

Assists in coordinating and attending community forums, public forums, and community meetings regarding current issues in the school system.

Interprets public attitudes, identifies potential controversies and response strategies, and recommends communications strategies that build stakeholder understanding of system challenges as well as successes.

Maintains a thorough knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and directives pertaining to governmental public information.

Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Salary range based on the FY 2022-2023 AHCATSP Salary Schedule for Non-Certified Administrative, Technical and Supervisory Professionals.

Grade D - Salary Range: $88,001 - $116,116

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field.

Three years of experience in a related field.

Experience in making oral presentations to a variety of audiences.

Experience in internal/external communications or public relations.

Knowledge of video editing software preferred.

Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software programs.

Able to establish and maintain effective working relations with HCPS personnel and the general public.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Highly organized with the ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and work independently on assignments.

Skilled in providing excellent customer service as this position interacts with internal and external stakeholders.

HOW TO APPLY

The Board of Education of Harford County does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry/national origin, color, disability, pregnancy, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

In accordance with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681, et seq.), Harford County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its programs or activities or with regard to employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX, and its implementing regulations to Harford County Public Schools may be referred to Renee McGlothlin, Harford County Public Schools Title IX Coordinator, by mail to 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014, or by telephone to 410-809-6087 or by email to Renee.McGlothlin@hcps.org, or the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Civil Rights in the United States Department of Education by mail to 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202 or by telephone 1-800-421-3481, or both.

This document is available in alternative form upon request. To request disability-related reasonable accommodations, please notify a staff member in the Human Resources Office at the time you are contacted for an interview.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE