Communications Specialist

Lake-Forest-School-District; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid sick leave

Personal leave

IMRF retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115 is seeking a Communications Specialist to support the Chief Communications Officer and Communications Manager. The role focuses on maintaining digital platforms, creating internal and external communications, and assisting the Superintendent on district information needs.

Ideal candidates will have a BS/BA in Marketing or Communications, experience in email marketing tools, and proficiency with design software and CMS systems.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• Previous work experience as a Communications Assistant or similar role.
• Proficient in Google Suite.
• Strong background with email marketing tools (Smore, MailChimp, Constant Contact).
• Working knowledge of design software (Canva, Photoshop, InDesign) and content management systems (Blackboard, Finalsite, WordPress, Drupal).
• Familiarity with Web standards/ Web design.
• Graphic design and video production experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Website Management: Oversee ongoing district website updates and training.
• Newsletter Production and Distribution: Assist in weekly and bi-weekly newsletters.
• Graphic Design and Production: Create graphics for social posts and district materials.
• iPhone Photography: Attend events to capture photos/video.
• Administrative Support: Support the Chief Communications Officer and manage the comms inbox.
• Event Coordination: Plan district events with vendors and IT support.
• Budget Management: Track communication expenditures and assist with budgeting.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Skills

Marketing

Communications

Public relations

Writing

Editing

Interpersonal skills

Discretion

Organization

Creative thinking

Education

BS/BA in Marketing or Communications

Tools

Google Suite

Smore

MailChimp

Constant Contact

Finalsite

WordPress

Drupal

Canva

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115

Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115 are seeking a Communications Specialist.

Description

The Communications Specialist directly assists the Chief Communications Officer and Communications Manager through the maintenance of digital platforms, creation and distribution of District internal and external communications, and support of the Superintendent on issues and information pertaining to the District. The Communications Assistant requires a unique skillset of creative, technical, and administrative abilities and serves as part of a dynamic team that creates content, supports teaching and learning, and seeks to inform, engage, and connect District stakeholders.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range - $22.00 - $40.00 per hour
• Insurance - medical, dental, vision, and life insurance are available
• Leave - paid sick and personal days provided
• Retirement - IMRF

Tuition Reimbursement

Education, Experience, and Licensure (required and preferred)

• BS/BA in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
• Previous work experience as a Communications Assistant, Communication specialist, Webmaster, or similar role
• Proficient in Google Suite
• Strong background working with email marketing tools (e.g., Smore, MailChimp, Constant Contact)
• Working knowledge of design software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop, InDesign) and content management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Finalsite, WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
• Familiarity with Web standards/ Web design
• Graphic design and video production experience strongly preferred

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Proven skills in marketing, communications, or public relations
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Outstanding communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, including a positive, problem-solving, and service-minded attitude
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills

Ability to generate creative ideas in a collaborative manner

Essential Functions

Website Management

• Responsible for ongoing management of the district website.
• Oversee website/homepage updates and ensure consistency across sites.
• Train and support stakeholders in web content management and troubleshooting.
• Publish news stories and maintain pop-up alerts for urgent district messages.

Newsletter Production and Distribution

• Assist in the production and distribution of weekly and bi-weekly digital newsletters for five buildings and two school districts.
• Manage ad-hoc communications for district stakeholders, including parents, staff, and alumni.
• Set up and maintain distribution groups in Finalsite Mass Notification, troubleshoot email issues, and oversee email lists.

Graphic Design and Production

• Design graphics for social media posts, signage, and other materials for district events and initiatives.
• Coordinate print materials design and production for district events.

iPhone Photography

• Attend District events occasionally to take photos and video.

Administrative Support

• Administrative support for the Chief Communications Officer
• Manage the general Communications email account and route inquiries appropriately.
• Schedule meetings and order supplies.

Event Coordination

• Organize district events, including vendor coordination, catering, decorations, and management.
• Secure tech support for in-district events, collaborating with IT as needed.
• Partner with HR for holiday and end-of-year event planning, including catering, decor, and setup.

Budget Management

• Manage P-card coding and invoice tracking for communication expenditures.
• Assist with ongoing budget management.
• Retrieve archived invoices to inform future purchase

Other Duties as Assigned

Physical Demands & Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Repetition motions are required, especially for keyboarding which involves substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.