Salary: $74,327.00 Annually
Location : Columbus, OH
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-2530-A1
Department: Communications & Engagement
Opening Date: 07/24/2023
Definition
This job posting is for a noncompetitive position and will create a new list The hiring department will conduct a preliminary review of your application to determine who to interview. It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience.
The Media Relations Coordinator supports Columbus City Schools and the Office of Communications and Engagement by leading District efforts to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. The Media Relations Coordinator will handle interview and statement requests, promote positive news coverage, and lead ongoing media training for district spokespeople, among other duties.
Examples of Work
The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Respond to media inquiries regarding breaking news, statement requests, and other matters, including on weekends and other times outside of normal business hours.
- Respond and release appropriate information to the media on breaking stories.
- Proactively pitch positive stories to the media about the District, schools, staff, and students.
- Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
- Act as a District spokesperson, as appropriate, when responding to questions and complaints.
- Consult with District leadership, including the Superintendent, Chief Officers, Board Members, and department leaders, about media questions and other media relations matters.
- Brief and advise District staff and representatives who will speak to the media and provide them with talking points, fact sheets, and other preparatory materials.
- Maintain an ongoing database of media coverage and media contact list.
- Deliver reports and briefings regarding media coverage and activities to District and departmental leadership.
- Lead media training sessions, either in-house or in coordination with outside vendors, to train leadership and representatives in speaking to the media and other media-related matters.
- Manage all aspects of District level media events; producing written and visual materials, including news releases, fact sheets, and web content.
- Understand the District’s mission, vision, priorities, and goals in order to align key messages and media relations strategies.
- Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel to manage the release of public information to media outlets.
- Will attend off-hours District meetings and events as directed.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure efficient and effective communications and engagement programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) or more years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Detail-oriented with proven excellent writing, grammar, and editing skills.
- Flexible problem-solver and self-starter.
- Strong writing, editing, and verbal skills, including effective presentation skills.
- Broad knowledge of Ohio K-12 educational programs, services, legislative requirements, policies, and current issues.
- Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex roles and responsibilities and meet deadlines.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and work productively with all levels of district staff.
- Analytical ability to develop plans of action to address a variety of issues and concerns in a timely manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.
- Demonstrated ability to use information provided through evaluation feedback from supervisor to improve performance.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Tools/Equipment Use: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair. Operate photography/videography and editing equipment.
Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching
Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds)
Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the education, experience, skill and ability levels typically needed to successfully perform the essential duties contained in this job description. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies. CCS fully supports the hiring and employment of individuals with physical or mental disabilities who meet the job qualifications, so long as the individuals are able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Test/Job Contact Information
This job posting is for an Administrator/Contract Employee position. The hiring manager will conduct a review of the applications received to determine who to interview. Please be sure that you have attached digital copies of the following required documents along with any other documentation verifying your qualifications for this job:
- Resume
- Three (3) professional references
- Degree(s) and/or official transcript(s) (if applicable)
Prior to submitting, please verify that your profile, including both education and work experience, is accurate and up to date.
Columbus City Schools is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies.
Columbus City Schools is proud of the opportunities and advantages we offer to our employees and we are committed to providing high-quality benefits and programs designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. Columbus City Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life Insurance, and other voluntary benefits like Short Term Disability, Accident Insurance, and Legal Insurance. Columbus City Schools truly values healthy living and healthy minds. We offer an Employee Assistance Program to help resolve any issues that may interfere with daily life and a comprehensive wellness program that includes Weight Loss Support, Health Screenings, Fitness Classes, and so much more. For more information on the benefits offered, please visit Please note that benefits vary according to bargaining unit contract provisions and/or job classification.
01
Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or related field?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have at least five (5) or more years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related position?
- Yes
- No
Required Question