Job Opportunity: Assistant Director of Public Relations & Communications, Michigan Association of School Boards

Michigan Association of School Boards Job Description

Position: Assistant Director of Public Relations & Communications

Department: Public Relations & Communications

Reports to: Director of Public Relations & Communications

To assist the director of public relations and communications in the creation and implementation of a strategic,

multi-faceted communications program designed to build and strengthen the association’s role and reputation as a

leader and authoritative voice in public education and governance. To devise program guidelines and policies,

oversee implementation process, and provide quality control for communications programs, media activities and

campaigns. 

The assistant director advocates for all Michigan school boards of education, promotes the association

is a positive light and coordinates internal publications, campaigns and web projects. The primary purpose of the

position is to serve as editor, webmaster and provide members with the utmost professional service.

Major Responsibilities: Story development, write, edit and design member print and electronic newsletters as well

as posting to MASB social media networks; update, maintain and enhance MASB’s website; provide general

oversight and coordination for other web and technology projects; manage the School Board Recognition Month

campaign and provides assistance for MASB’s Education Excellence Awards Program; respond to member

requests for information; assist with media relations and PR projects as assigned; provide training to members and attend meetings and events. Assist department director in the development of strategic communication plans to support the association’s mission, goals and objectives. Build and foster collaborative relationships with other

departments within the association to stay informed and abreast of new initiatives, products and services. Identify

opportunities to support organizational initiatives, develop communication materials and programs to promote and

publicize these activities and facilitate training sessions.

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a closely

related field; minimum five years of professional experience that includes publications, graphic design or desktop

publishing, website management; nonprofit experience, and knowledge of K-12 public education administration

and issue is a plus. Experience with membership databases; demonstrated success with public speaking and

presentation skills, ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines. Ideally, candidate will possess an

openness to continuous learning and upgrading of skills.

Required Abilities: Excellent journalistic writing and editing skills including proofreading, layout and design.

High-level of interpersonal communications skills. Must be detailed-oriented and enthusiastic about serving others.

Candidate must possess excellent judgment and analytical skills needed to understand pending legislation, current statutes, research reports and sensitive public relations issues. Candidate must be technology and web savvy, including basic knowledge of HTML and have experience with desktop publishing in Mac platform using a variety of Adobe software including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat. Mathematical skills relating to the

principles and practices of budget development and monitoring.

MASB Culture: MASB has five characteristics by which the association defines its culture. Value and Quality -

Deliver outstanding, quality service driven by the needs of our members that’s of high value to all Michigan boards

of education. Influential Leadership - Demonstrate influential leadership through unrelenting advocacy for our

cause, perceived clout among education, legislative, government and community leaders, and achieved results of

our policy initiatives. Trust-Based Relationships - The quality of our relationships with our colleagues at MASB,

with our members and with others who have a stake in the future of Michigan's education system will be based on

trust and supported by ongoing, open communication. Visionary Thinking - Awareness of the larger, evolving

context in which we work will be at the forefront of continual assessment and planning, ensuring that MASB

strategies and actions are progressive and anticipate the long-term implications of our work. Agile Operations -

Systems, processes and procedures will be designed for adaptability and flexibility, enabling timely, effective

action that meets the evolving needs of our constituents and facilitates accomplishment of our vision and goals.

Working Conditions: Modern, comfortable, professional office environment with full telecommunications access

and up-to-date software and hardware. Department is Mac-based. Physical demands are minimal; long periods at

the computer keyboard. Some lifting (up to 30 lbs.); some travel required for conferences and workshops involving

nights/weekends. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions. The information in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities

Act (ADA) and isn’t an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.

This job description doesn’t list all the duties of the job. The employee may be asked to perform other related

assignments and duties. MASB is an EOE and is committed to improving diversity in our workplace, seeking to

attract, recruit and retain people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

To Apply: Send the following to hr@masb.org no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012:

• A cover letter outlining your specific qualifications for this position.

• Your current resume.

• Three references.