Salary : $146,536.00 – $172,078.40 Annually
Location : Within the boundaries of the Long Beach Unified School District, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, 12 months
Job Number: 23-0316-5315
Department: Communications and Community Engagement
Opening Date: 05/15/2023
Closing Date: 6/12/2023 4:30 PM Pacific
Job Summary
PLEASE NOTE: The Board of Education on May 3, 2023 approved salary increases of 9%. The salary on this job posting has been updated to reflect the new salary.
Under administrative direction, plan, organize, control and direct comprehensive communications and community relations strategies and plans for the District; prepare and disseminate materials to the public, District staff, community and news media; work closely with the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools and Senior Staff; serve as an official spokesperson for the District; provide technical assistance to the District in preparation of internal and external publications and events; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; perform related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties
The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.
- Plan, organize, control and direct comprehensive communications and community relations strategies and plans for the District which identify audiences, messages, communication tools and evaluation measures. E
- Prepare, conduct and disseminate a wide variety of public information regarding District activities including news releases, press conferences, interviews, public service announcements, social media, articles, presentations and related materials. E
- Develop positive working relationships with reporters and media officials; field inquiries and serve as an official District spokesperson; direct rapid responses to issues raised by the news media. E
- Collaborate with staff regarding urgent matters impacting the District; direct the dissemination of information, messaging, and rapid management to assure a timely and accurate flow of information. E
- Increase community engagement to support and promote District goals through communication strategies such as partners in education, community forums, special events and District publications; facilitate a variety of meetings and events. E
- Oversee and direct content for the District’s website and serve as a consultant for site-based websites; provide for training of District staff regarding acceptable use policies related to posting on District websites and social media platforms. E
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions. E
- Provide technical expertise and information to the Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer regarding assigned functions and participate in the formulation of policies, procedures and programs; advise the Chief of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action. E
- Seek regional and national news media coverage exemplifying the positive programs and services, events, projects, opportunities and advantages of the District; provide regular reports on outcomes, media analytics, and reach of media elements. E
- Develop a variety of proactive approaches and programs to encourage community engagement and support for endorsement of bond issues, ballot measures and other District-supported legislation. E
- Plan, organize and direct a communication system that provides for the timely disclosure of public information and is responsive to requests for public information. E
- Collaborate with staff to develop multimedia presentations including slide shows, displays and photographic exhibits; organize or direct the organization of photography and videography at a variety of presentations and special events. E
- Coordinate activities with legislators and elected and appointed officials to protect and further the interests of the District; establish appropriate mediums to communicate and inform legislators and officials of relevant issues. E
- Coordinate activities with lobbyists and consultants representing the District on various issues or positions of interest to the District. E
- Prepare talking points and issue briefing materials for Board of Education members, the Superintendent of Schools, administrators and other staff as necessary; attend and represent the District at a variety of meetings and conferences. E
- Develop and prepare budgets as directed; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations. E
- Prepare and direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of reports, records and files related to assigned activities. E
- Operate a computer and assigned software; drive a vehicle to conduct work. E
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized E which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Employment Standards
Knowledge of:
Principles, methods and theories of communication, public relations and marketing.
Newspaper, radio, social media, television and other communications media sources and resources.
Comprehensive writing and editing skills with a focus on quality control.
Communication materials including presentations, news articles, digital media content, letters, reports and brochures.
Issues and challenges facing large, diverse, urban school districts.
Contemporary public education trends and issues.
Structure and operations of public schools.
Diverse needs and concerns of individuals from varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Principles of freedom of press and free access to public information.
Evaluation, survey research and planning methodologies.
Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.
Budget preparation and control.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Public speaking techniques.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, control and direct comprehensive communications and community relations strategies and plans.
Work independently in a variety of situations requiring extensive contact with public leaders, media representatives, community members and special interest groups.
Serve as an official spokesperson for the District and work proactively with the media to establish influential and productive working relationships.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
Prepare a variety of communication materials such as speeches, press releases, news conference materials, newsletters, and social media and website content.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Speak extemporaneously to answer questions related to District issues.
Assure communications meet District quality standards.
Demonstrate empathetic listening, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills with individuals from varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Advise others on effective techniques of information dissemination and exercise judgement in release of information.
Interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
Prioritize, schedule and complete work with many interruptions.
Plan and organize work.
Develop and monitor assigned budgets.
Prepare a variety of reports, records and files.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a computer and assigned software.
Education and Training:
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or a related field. A Master’s degree in one of these disciplines is desirable.
Experience:
Five years of media and public relations experience involving print, radio, social media, and/or television and including experience as a spokesperson.
Public information and communications experience in a school district, municipality or other public agency is desirable.
Experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in Spanish is desirable.
Any other combination of education, training and experience, which demonstrates that the applicant is likely to possess the required skills, knowledge or abilities, may be considered.
Special Requirements
Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant’s training, background, and experience; evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.
The Long Beach Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, religion, race or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer: Steve Rockenbach, Director of Employee Relations, 1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562-997-8220, and Title IX Coordinator: Kimberly Dalton, Director of Human Resource Services, 1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562-997-8108,
PCA: 05/18/2023
The District provides excellent medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits as well as an income protection plan for eligible Classified employees.
For more information regarding health benefits please visit
Classified employees earn paid vacation at the initial rate of 14 days for full-time 12 month employees (.055 hour for each hour worked) and receive increases after 5, 10, and 15 years of service for a total of 21 days after 15 years.
12 month Classified employees earn 13 working days of sick leave each year which are accumulated indefinitely. Employees of other California school districts who have accrued sick leave may transfer it to LBUSD in accordance with the California Education Code.
12 month Classified employees receive 14 paid holidays per year.
01
Completion of the following supplemental questions is required of all applicants. This is considered a test component in the examination process. An evaluation of candidates’ responses will be made by a screening panel following the application deadline. A limited number of candidates who best meet the needs of the District will be invited to continue in the examination process. It is important that your responses are clear and concise. Responses that are incomplete or unclear will not receive credit. Your Work Experience in the application must also include all of your recent and relevant experience in order for your application and supplemental to be considered. For those questions to which you have no response, please indicate “no response”.DO NOT refer the reader to your resume. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completion of the required application or supplemental materials. Resumes are not reviewed, therefore information on the resume will not be considered in the screening of the application. Please answer by selecting “Yes” as confirmation that you read these instructions.
- Yes, I have read the instructions and understand a resume will not be considered in the screening of my application.
02
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or a related field. A Master’s degree in one of these disciplines is desirable. Do you possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree.
- I possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher and have listed it on the application under education.
- I do not possess the required education to qualify for this position.
03
The position requires five or more years of media and public relations experience involving print, radio, social media, and/or television. Please select your specific experience. (Your selection will be verified with the work experience you list on your application to verify dates of employment and duties performed.)
- I have limited experience, willing to learn.
- I possess five or more years of media and public relations experience involving print, radio, social media, and/or television.
04
This position requires experience as a spokesperson. Do you meet this requirement?
- Yes
- No
05
Please describe your experience and responsibility for composing and delivering information through press releases, press conferences, news media, social media or media channels.
06
Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and the possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.Do you have a valid California driver’s license, and are you willing and able to use a personal automobile in the performance of your job duties?
- Yes
- No
07
I understand that exam segments may be conducted online and may require access to a computer with an internet connection and Google Chrome or Firefox browsers. The exam components may also require access to a computer, smart phone, or tablet with internet connection and a video recording device. I understand that it is my responsibility to contact Personnel Commission immediately proceeding the exam invitation requiring such devices if I do not have access to the required technology.
- Yes
- No
08
PLEASE NOTE: All notifications will be sent via email.Applicants must check their emails on a regular basis to find out their status on an application. Emails we send may be caught by spam filters and it is the responsibility of the applicant to check their spam/junk folder.
- I am aware I must check my emails, including spam/junk folder, on a regular basis to find out the status of my application. All notifications will be sent via email.
Required Question