Internal Communications Specialist

Wichita-Public-Schools; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita Public Schools in Wichita, KS seeks an Internal Communications Specialist to develop and deliver internal messaging that explains district decisions, connects staff work to goals and increases engagement. The role requires creativity and the ability to tailor tools and messages to a diverse audience.

You will collaborate with district leaders, manage content calendars, update the intranet, create newsletters, talking points and presentations, and contribute to crisis communication as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field desired, though other educational backgrounds considered if experience and proven skill set is demonstrated.
• Extensive knowledge of internal communication, message development, content management systems, and monitoring and analytics tools.
• Proven research and writing skills.
• Basic knowledge in graphic design and video production are preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Partner with district leadership and departments to translate organizational priorities and initiatives into employee-centered messaging that support understanding, trust and alignment.
• Enhance internal communication tools, such as the existing Wichita Public Schools intranet, to align with employee needs.
• Develop engaging communication for internal platforms, including employee newsletter, intranet content, talking points and presentations.
• Ensure messaging is consistent, accessible, and aligned across all internal channels.
• Evaluate effectiveness of internal communication tools and messaging and make recommendations on improvement.

Skills

Internal communications

Employee engagement

Message development

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content management systems (CMS)

Analytics tools

Job description

Job Description - Internal Communications Specialist (14384)

Internal Communications Specialist - ( 14384 )

Job Title: Internal Communications Specialist

Position Function: The Internal Communications Specialist develops and delivers internal communication strategies, tools and messages that support district priorities. This position focuses on clear, timely and engaging internal communication to help employees understand the purpose behind decisions, connect their work to organizational goals and increase employee engagement. Creativity and the ability to develop tools and messages that resonate with a diverse audience are crucial for this position.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Partner with district leadership and departments to translate organizational priorities and initiatives into employee-centered messaging that support understanding, trust and alignment.
• Enhance internal communication tools, such as the existing Wichita Public Schools intranet, to align with employee needs.
• Develop engaging communication for internal platforms, including employee newsletter, intranet content, talking points and presentations.
• Ensure messaging is consistent, accessible, and aligned across all internal channels.
• Evaluate effectiveness of internal communication tools and messaging and make recommendations on improvement.
• Use measurement tools to evaluate existing work, recommend strategies to grow engagement.
• Develop tools for and support internal feedback opportunities and suggest ways to incorporate employee insights into communication planning.
• Work as part of a team to develop communication campaigns and engagement programs and events.
• Work as part of a team to develop and maintain master content calendar.
• Serve on district committees as requested by leadership.
• Attend district and community events as needed.
• Assist with crisis communication as needed.

Additional Duties: Assists with various communication projects, provides general office support and additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position requires the ability to use iPads, smartphones and DSLR camera equipment in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with Wichita Public Schools guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Frequent travel within the school district is required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Performs several tasks during the same period of time.
• Works calmly during stressful situations.
• Works in standard open office setting, which may involve standing or sitting for long periods, extended periods of visual focus/computer work, moderate noise levels.
• May walk for long distances.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Handling of sensitive or confidential information, requiring a high degree of professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of organizational communication and employee engagement.
• Ability to develop messages that resonate across a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to simplify complex information and provide it in an easy-to understand method to multiple audiences.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including a clear demonstration of tone and styles with platforms and audiences in mind.
• Excellent grammar and proofreading skills.
• Strong understanding of different communication platforms and tools.
• Capable of working effectively and cooperatively (in-person, on the internet and on the phone) with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to organize, prioritize, re-prioritize following interruption of work flow, problem solve and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate consistent work ethic and respect necessary to maintain a cooperative and cohesive work environment.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and design-specific software.
• Safeguard confidentiality of privileged information.
• Stay abreast of professional communications, marketing and school-related practices. Continuous upgrade of skills is expected.

Interrelations:

• Contact with Board of Education members, district personnel and community partners.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy, in-person and online.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Wichita Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Overtime is occasionally required with approval from the employee's supervisor.

Qualification Profile:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field desired, though other educational backgrounds considered if experience and proven skill set is demonstrated.
• Extensive knowledge of internal communication, message development, content management systems, and monitoring and analytics tools.
• Proven research and writing skills.
• Basic knowledge in graphic design and video production are preferred, but not required

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Locations

Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center (AMAC)