Job Description

Title: COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Primary Function:

Provide leadership and support to the York County School Division’s communication strategies, implement programs, and conduct administrative duties for the the York Foundation for Public Education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, education, mass communications, or related field and two years’ of experience in progressively responsible positions or any equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates specialized experience, skills and knowledge for the position performance responsibilities.
Experience in working for a volunteer Board of Directors preferred.
Proactive self-starter with an ability to work in a high-energy, high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the school division and the foundation. Demonstrate success in fundraising strategies and donor relations, preferably in an education setting.
Ability to provide effective oral and written correspondence, proposals, marketing materials, grants, and solicitations.
Considerable knowledge of School Board policies and administrative procedures that apply to assigned school operations; ability to make decisions in absence of supervisor and to handle some administrative duties.
Excellent organizational, time management, project management and problem solving skills.
Coordinate and complete multiple simultaneous projects.
Knowledge of volunteer management techniques.
Demonstrate proficiency in all standard office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new software programs.

Performance Responsibilities:

Work in collaboration with members of the Communications department to support program implementation, including tracking scope, timeline, and goals of ongoing projects;
Estimate and help manage the resources needed to achieve project goals;
Assists staff in the preparation, editing and review of communications including reports, website content, articles, correspondence, speeches and presentations;
Assists with responding to inquiries related to division programs and activities;
Assists with the coordination of special events and activities for the purpose of ensuring these activities are well planned and operate smoothly;
Serve as liaison between the York County School Division and the York Foundation for Public Education;
Work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, build, maintain, cultivate and solicit existing and new prospects for major donor gifts, future planned giving and annual campaigns;
Identify grant opportunities available to the foundation, develop and submit grant proposals;
Supervise the financial accounting system for the communications department and the foundation’s fiscal activities; maintain all necessary tax, audits and reports required to maintain a 501(c)(3) organization;
Work in coordination with the Executive Board, plan, develop and manage the foundation budget; coordinate management of foundation’s assets and disbursements, including any endowed funds;
Work in coordination with the Foundation Board of Trustees, prepare, promote and manage grant information, student and staff scholarship information and recipient selection;
Coordinate with designated foundation committees to support the mission and objectives of the foundation;
Build and maintain an effective working relationship with the administration, and staff, as well as the community, for the purpose of developing and meeting shared goals and objectives of the division and foundation;
Develop and support delivery of presentations in support of the foundation’s fundraising programs to civic and community groups, administrators and school staff; support training in grant and scholarship applications writing;
Coordinate, develop and disseminate publications including informational brochures, reports, direct mail promotions and other materials;
Prepare and send on-going correspondence for the Foundation (i.e., thank you letters, sponsorship and grant requests, general informational mailings, etc.);
Communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions;
Work closely and effectively with the Executive Board;
Oversee the administrative tasks required to carry out the Foundation’s mission and objectives;
Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The Communications Associate must have the ability to sit for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone; and the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in an office environment.

Reports to:

Public Relations & Communications Officer

Terms of Employment:

Twelve months a year. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of administrative personnel.

5/11/2021