Communication Specialist

Prairie Public Broadcasting; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie Public Broadcasting in Fargo, North Dakota seeks a Communications and Outreach Specialist to advance its mission by planning and executing outreach events, coordinating communications, and serving as the primary contact for viewers and listeners. The role emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, organization, and customer service across multiple channels.

The position requires collaboration with staff, data-rich record-keeping, and active involvement in membership drives and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field or 1-2 years of equivalent experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to build positive, engaging relationships while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and execute outreach events (e.g., Share A Story, PBS Kids Writers Contest, galas, donor events).
• Coordinate with staff to develop and distribute communications promoting events (on-air promotions, invitations).
• Serve as primary contact for viewer/listener questions, comments, problems, and needs.
• Provide excellent customer service through phone, e-mail, and print communications.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with viewers, listeners, and members.
• Write and distribute monthly staff e-newsletter; take and distribute minutes from monthly communications meeting.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Event planning

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Constant Contact

Microsoft Office

Job description

The communications and outreach specialist represents Prairie Public and advances its mission to educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region through its radio, television, and education. This position is responsible for outreach activities; answering questions, resolving problems, and acknowledging phone calls, mail, and email; and effectively collecting information and disseminating it to the public, the media, and staff about Prairie Public programming and services.

This is a full-time, on-site position with generous benefits. The normal work schedule is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, increasing to as much as 45 hours a week during special events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead the planning, organization and execution of all key outreach events, including, but not limited to, screening events, Share A Story, PBS Kids Writers Contest, galas, and donor events.
• Coordinate with staff to develop and distribute communications to promote visibility of events including on-air promotions and personalized invitations.
• Serve as primary point of contact for viewer and listener questions, comments, problems, and needs.
• Provide exceptional customer service through phone, e-mail, and print communications.
• Maintain accurate detailed records of interactions with viewers, listeners, and members.
• Write and distribute the monthly staff e-newsletter; take and distribute minutes from the monthly communications meeting

Additional Responsibilities:

• Build partnerships to encourage good will and reciprocity.
• Serve as a backup to the receptionist
• Assist with membership drives as needed
• General organization of office and department resources
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelors degree (communications, public relations, marketing, or related field) or 1-2 years of equivalent experience required.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

Exceptional interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to build positive, engaging relationships while maintaining confidentiality information.

Professionally represent Prairie Public to donors and the public through written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Effectively build positive working relationships across departments, teams, and work groups.

Persuasive communicator with ability to present information in simple compelling messages. Prior experience with email campaigns, multi-media projects, and/or copywriting a plus.

Organized, self-starter with ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail with openness to continuous improvement is a must.

Strong technical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Digital proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products. Must be able to perform accurate and high-speed data entry. Prior experience with email software Constant Contact or similar products preferred.

Occasional evenings, weekends and travel required for events and professional development; flexibility is a must.

Should be able to lift boxes up to 25-30 pounds and needs manual dexterity for data entry duties.