Communications Coordinator

Position Function/Purpose

The Communications Coordinator will be a key member of the Communications Department. This role will assist the Chief of Staff and Communications in preparing and providing information about activities, events, goals, accomplishments, and policies to school district employees, students, parents, community members, and media partners through a variety of platforms – newsletters, press releases, social media, district website, smart phone apps, email, direct messaging, etc. The Communications Coordinator will also support the executive leadership team with presentations and materials.

Essential Functions

1. Interviews, researches, writes, and edits news releases, articles, feature stories, speeches, and other promotional materials for use on the web, in print publications, and other platforms.

2. Gathers information from district departments, writes, edits, and publishes/sends weekly newsletters.

3. Manages social media efforts for the district, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram and monitors communication trends, analytics, audience engagement, and best practices to improve communication effectiveness.

4. Works with the Chief of Staff and Communications to develop a content strategy plan and consistent timeline for posting to the district’s social media accounts. This includes creating and coordinating interesting and compelling content (text, photos, video, and/or graphics), as well as developing creative ways to actively engage various audiences to promote Midland ISD, staff, and students.

5. Works with department leaders to ensure coordinated promotion of district events, including proactively reaching out to employees, students, parents, and the community.

6. Works with the Chief of Staff and Communications to create and implement strategies for promotion of events (timing, channels, materials, etc.).

7. Leads the creation of professional, brand-compliant graphics and presentations that can be used on various platforms (posters, invitations, programs, social media graphics, slide decks, etc.).

8. Acts as still photographer/videographer for Midland ISD.

9. Serves as an advisor to district leadership regarding communication strategy, messaging, and public engagement.

10. Provides guidance, support, and mentorship to communications staff and assists with workflow coordination and project prioritization.

11. Translates district vision into meaningful and actionable communication.

12. Leads communication-related professional learning for campus and district leaders.

Qualification Requirements

13. Advanced knowledge of Canva, Google Drive apps, Adobe Creative Cloud products, especially Illustrator and Lightroom, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and email marketing programs.

14. Exceptional writing and communication skills, including attention to detail and the ability to tell a compelling story, utilizing accurate grammar, punctuation, spelling, and AP style.

15. Excellent interpersonal and speaking skills, both in person and by phone, with a high level of professionalism.

16. Advanced knowledge of social media, including best practices for engaging audiences in a professional context on each platform. Ability to maintain/monitor social media accounts outside of normal business hours.

17. Skilled photographer who knows how to frame a shot to tell a story using a digital camera.

18. Skilled videographer with the ability to tell a compelling story using a digital SLR camera, recording and lighting equipment, and non-linear editing software.

19. Detail-oriented, especially with regard to relevancy, timeliness, accuracy, and proofreading.

20. Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments, while consistently meeting deadlines.

21. Self-starter with the ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.

22. Assists in crisis communication efforts and may serve as a point of contact during emergency communication situations.

23. Ability to take direction and be open to constructive criticism.

24. Plans and organizes district events.

25. Covers events during and outside normal business hours, as assigned.

26. Reads, prioritizes, and responds to emails received in the district's inbox on behalf of the department.

27. Perform other duties, as assigned.

Equipment used

• Telephone
• Computer and Printer
• Copy Machine
• Digital Camera
• Digital Software Platforms

Work Environment

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress. Occasionally required to travel to facilities within the district. May be required to work after school and weekends.

All MISD employees are expected to maintain an extreme degree of confidentiality by following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for student information and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for employee and student information.

Midland Independent School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.