Communications Specialist

Prairie Public; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Job summary

Prairie Public in Fargo, ND seeks a Communications and Outreach Specialist to advance its mission by coordinating outreach events, answering questions, and disseminating information to the public, media, and staff. The role focuses on client-facing communication, event planning, and maintaining records with a strong emphasis on customer service.

The position is full-time and on-site with generous benefits. Expect a Monday–Friday schedule, 40 hours, with possible extension to 45 hours during

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 1–2 years of equivalent experience required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with donor relations or viewer/listener outreach is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute outreach events (screenings, contests, galas, donor events).
• Coordinate communications to promote visibility of events (on-air/promotions).
• Serve as primary contact for questions, comments, and problems.
• Provide customer service via phone, email, and print communications.
• Maintain detailed records of interactions with viewers, listeners, and members.
• Write and distribute the monthly staff e-newsletter and minutes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Copywriting

Event coordination

Digital proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field

1–2 years of equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google products

Constant Contact or similar email software

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

• Bachelor’s 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.

Questions? Contact Lauren Sandeen, Human Resources Manager, at [e-mail] or 701-241-6900 ext. 522.