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1 Page 1 of 5 SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS invites applications for the position of: Communications Specialist - Internal Communications FTE An Equal Opportunity Employer SALARY: $58, $80, Annually OPENING DATE: 08/11/15 CLOSING DATE: 08/18/15 05:00 PM REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS: Cover letter and Resume DESCRIPTION: The Communications Specialist oversees internal communications for Seattle Public Schools, which has a staff of more than 8,000. This position provides clear, reliable, and timely communications to central office and school staff. This position plans and works to execute all internal communications and provides high quality, efficient and timely communications to individuals, departments and schools, working to support a culture of professionalism, transparency and trust. The Communications Specialist will develop internal communications strategies that engages employees in two-way conversation (not just top-down messaging), facilitates change, and enhances the district's culture. This position oversees internal communications for the District to ensure accurate and timely information flows to principals, teachers and staff, as well as developing opportunities for two-way communication.this position ensures smooth communications of internal news and announcements to staff, as well as receiving feedback from staff on how to best ensure our employees - who are our largest ambassadors to the community - have accurate information to do their job and help us communicate to families, students and the community. The Communications Specialist closely with the Chief Communications Officer and other communications team members and departments to ensure smooth roll outs of major projects, news and announcements and ensure the district is communicating the goals of the Strategic Plan and news from around the District to our staff. The Communications Specialist is also identifies systems improvements for communications to staff, school leaders and the community, utilizing collaborative project management to bring together and engage stakeholders in order to identify solutions. This position then manages roll out and communication of improved processes to assure increased success in distributing valuable District information to stakeholders. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Responsible for developing and executing - in conjunction with top leadership - direct communications with families, community members and staff, including message development and writing letters, talking points, speeches for the Superintendent and top leadership. (30%) 2. Oversee strategic internal communications, developing and executing communications plans and editorial calendars for internal audiences, including writing and developing messaging and communications tools to build a culture of trust and transparency, including developing and executing a long-term communications strategy focused on engaging and informing staff around District objectives.

2 Page 2 of 5 Managing internal communications (working with staff on the newsletters to specific internal audiences as well as all staff newsletters, staff announcements and employee events) and developing surveys to assist with better internal communications. (30%) 3. Maintain the district's internal online communications, such as the internal website, overseeing the front page of the internal staff website, and maintaining and updating the Communications Department pages. (10%) 4. Point person for school leadership, help develop and maintain online principal toolkit, ensure school staff have necessary communications tools, including letters and autodial scripts. (10%) 5. Working with departments to provide communications planning and assistance, identify communications systems improvements, engaging staff to develop solutions and managing implementation of solutions that increase efficiency and effectiveness of communications with staff and families. Trains staff on development and use of communications processes and tools to enhance information flow to district stakeholders. (10%) 6. Write and post stories/news on internal and external websites, social media. Photograph events and programs using digital still and video equipment. Develop graphic designs for use in communicating concepts and ideas. (5%) 7. Respond to media inquiries, act as spokesperson and other related media duties as needed. (5%) OTHER FUNCTIONS: 1. Writing and posting to the District homepage and social media. 2. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. 3. Other duties as assigned. SPS CORE COMPETENCIES: Collaboration 1. Is seen as a team player who encourages efficient and effective collaborations. 2. Works skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups. 3. Represents his/her own interests while being open-minded to other groups. 4. Builds respectful and productive relationships internally and externally. Getting Results (Action-Oriented) 1. Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done. 2. Focuses on achieving the goal even in the face of obstacles. 3. Assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision. 4. Strives for new levels of performance. Decision Quality & Problem Solving 1. Weighs the consequences of options before making a decision. 2. Applies appropriate criteria to situations for the purpose of making decisions. 3. Displays self-confidence in own judgment. 4. Focuses in the facts and solutions instead of opinions and problems. Integrity 1. Deals with people and situations in an honest and forthright manner. 2. Represents information and data accurately and completely. 3. Represents the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others. 4. Takes ownership if a mistake is their own and does not blame others. Accountability 1. Takes responsibility and action as if the risks (financial or otherwise) are his or her own. 2. Holds individuals and team accountable for their actions and results. 3. Initiates action even if outcome is uncertain and is willing to accept the consequences of failure.

3 Page 3 of 5 4. Aligns own activities and priorities to meet broader organizational needs. 5. Demonstrates courage and confidence in his or her own ability. REQUIRED OTHER RELEVANT COMPETENCIES: Written Communication 1. Responsible to compose clear, concise messages which are directed to the organization as a whole. 2. Is proficient in a variety of writing styles and uses the appropriate style that suits the message and audience. 3. Regularly produces written communications that positively affect attitudes and beliefs through inspirational and timely messages. Creativity 1. Develops innovative ideas and methods of doing things. 2. Generates many new and unique ideas. 3. Searches for new and more effective methods, making connections between previously unrelated ideas. 4. Is seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings Organizational Agility 1. Understands the origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices and procedures. 2. Understands the cultures of organizations, and acknowledges corporate politics as a reality. 3. Gets things done, both through formal channels and the informal network. 4. Relates well to and regularly interacts with both authority figures and peers. Managing Vision & Purpose 1. Develops a clear sense of purpose and mission that captures the imagination of others. 2. Shares vision in a way that influences others as demonstrated by their words and actions. 3. Anticipates and identifies long-term, future organizational needs and opportunities. Creativity 1. Generates a lot of new and unique ideas. 2. Brainstorms multiple and value-added solutions to problems. 3. Draws from multiple resources and perspectives to come up with new ideas and approaches. 4. Creates new and effective processes and systems. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge 1. Strong command of strategic communications and messaging. 2. Strong writer and editor 3. AP style 4. Has tools to implement two-way communication 5. Understands complex organizations Skills 1. Microsoft Office 2. Adobe Creative Suite 3. Basic CMS 4. Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools 5. Still and video digital photography Abilities 1. Ability to write quickly, accurately and effectively

4 Page 4 of 5 2. Excellent people skills 3. Able to learn quickly 4. Adaptable; ability to work in a fast paced environment 5. Deadline oriented CONDITIONS/DISCLAIMERS The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. District employees are not authorized to make promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certified or classified positions, and that any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the Superintendent. Any verbal or written statements to that effect by District employees other than the Superintendent are null and void. Additionally, nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism EXPERIENCE: Ten (10) years of experience in communications field with demonstrated experience in strategic communications, writing, social media, and web posting. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Ten to Fifteen (10-15) years of experience in communications field with demonstrated experience in strategic communications, internal communications, writing, social media, web posting, graphic design and digital photography. Major market media and newsroom experience a plus. Public relations agency experience a plus. Experience working in K-12 communications a plus. CLEARANCES: Criminal justice finger pint and background check SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Seattle Public Schools ("SPS") provides Equal Educational Opportunities and Equal Employment Opportunities and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex; race; creed; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; age; economic status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; physical appearance; a disability; veteran or military status; or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. SPS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. SPS complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to: Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and RCW ("The Washington Law Against Discrimination"). SPS's compliance includes, but is not limited to all District programs, courses, activities, including extra-curricular activities, services, and access to facilities. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Requests for Accommodation Student: Carole Rusimovic, Student 504 Coordinator, , crusimovic@seattleschools.org Adult: Brent Jones, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, , bjones@seattleschools.org Sexual Harassment Barbara Nahouraii, Interim Title IX Coordinator, , Title.IX@seattleschools.org

5 Page 5 of 5 All Other Forms of Discrimination Student Matters: Pegi McEvoy, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, , securityoff@seattleschools.org Adult Matters: Brent Jones, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, , bjones@seattleschools.org Mail: Seattle Public Schools, P.O. Box 34165, Mail Stop , Seattle, WA APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: rd Ave South Seattle, WA Job #08752 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS FTE LJ Communications Specialist - Internal Communications FTE Supplemental Questionnaire * 1. 3: A ALL MQ: Have you ever been discharged by an employer for misconduct in the last 10 years? * 2. 2: A All MQ: Have you been placed on a plan of improvement or probation related to your employment in the last 10 years and as a result of the improvement plan or probation been non-renewed or terminated? * 3. 1: A All MQ: Have you ever resigned in lieu of termination or suspension as a result of a disciplinary action from an employer in the last 10 years? * Required Question