Communications Coordinator: Family Engagement and Public Information

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed.)

Creates or improves, plans, organizes and manages all countywide parent information events including, but not limited to, the annual virtual Kindergarten, Middle School and High School Information presentations. Coordinates the production of PreK-12 materials related to registration in APS, including policies, procedures and related forms as well as training workshops for school registrars and office staff. Coordinates the development of the Annual Online Back-to-School packet and related forms and information for APS, including policies, calendars, and related forms. Creates and manages production schedules and work plans.

Assists Supervisor of Public Engagement in coordinating support and training for Bilingual Family Specialists. Develops and conducts regular training opportunities for APS staff including school registrars, Bilingual Family Specialists, office staff and other key personnel through workshops, discussion groups, roundtables, and other training opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of and skills in registration and key school information and to ensure consistent customer service for parents and
families at all Arlington schools and programs. Regularly communicates with local realtors and parent organizations, to help increase their understanding of the programs and opportunities available for children and families through APS. Serves as a liaison for parents new to the community as they seek help in navigating their options
and the requirements for registration. Participates in civic organizations and develops community contacts to more effectively engage the Arlington community in support of student learning. Stays abreast of APS and community developments related to the need for informed and engaged parents. Writes and develops all marketing and informational materials for registration in APS, including sample letters, announcements, guidebooks, school overviews, brochures, publicity and other
collateral materials, as needed. Manages and regularly updates the APS Registration, Boundary, School Options and Parent
Academy webpages. Manages and updates the Family Information Line and trains staff to use the platform. Acts as liaison between APS and Arlington’s culturally and ethnically diverse communities in support of family outreach and engagement.
Collaborates with the Arlington community, schools, central office departments and parent organizations to support efforts in reaching the goals of the APS Strategic Plan. Coordinates all APS internal and external communications and related publicity for the Registration, Transition and Options functions. A licensed driver to attend meetings, make presentations at various sites, make arrangements for such functions as the annual in-person Summer Activities Fair, etc. Performs related duties, as assigned or needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of APS educational goals and priorities, APS administration concerning registration, school boundaries and the like, and school operations, with emphasis on encouraging, facilitating and increasing family engagement to enhance the educational and child developmental/growth of students. Knowledge of community organizations, including business, civic, government and professional groups, with an emphasis on encouraging, facilitating and increasing community support and participation in the work of APS. This includes keen awareness of cultural diversity in Arlington County to effectively engage all parts of the community. Knowledge of, and skill in, media relations, public affairs-public relations, community engagement and communications sufficient to develop informational brochures, press releases, newsletters, webpages and presentations to inform and engage parents in the education of their children and to inform and engage the community in support, while enhancing the public image of APS. Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal,
numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes the ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced recommendations and decisions. Examples include updating, improving and managing plans for family engagement and outreach and coordination of registration; developing and making audience-specific appeals to increase
family engagement; and arranging for and overseeing execution of such events as the annual Kindergarten, Middle School and High School Information Presentations. Skill in written communication to understand written information (including instructions,
descriptions and ideas), and to express such information in writing so that others will understand and, at times, be convinced or persuaded. Examples include developing marketing materials for the annual Information Presentations, including informational brochures, sample letters, announcements, and other publicity and collateral materials; and updating the, Registration,
Boundary and School Options webpages on the APS website. Knowledge of and skills in using emerging technologies and applications to communicate with diverse families and community groups. Skill in oral communication to understand verbal
information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information verbally so that others will understand and, at times, be convinced or persuaded. Examples include discussing the benefits of strong parent support of the education of their children with individuals and making formal presentations to parent organizations and other groups to inform and engage them in active community support of APS students and families. This includes the ability to encourage effective oral communication by others and ‘active listening’ to strengthen appeals, overcome reluctance and obtain commitment. Interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a businesslike, customer service-oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in harmony with supervisors, staff and the general public.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s Degree in education, communications, public affairs-public relations, or a related field; or, An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training; and three years of progressively responsible experience working in communications or public affairs-public relations, community engagement; or, an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and tailoring and delivering work
products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups is desirable.
Spanish language encouraged.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

A valid drivers license.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work is predominantly sedentary and involves light physical effort. It requires moving about to obtain work objects, supplies, etc., distribute work products, coordinate with others and perform related functions; operating office and communications equipment, such as a computer (for sustained periods, at times) and a telephone; and reviewing all kinds of written documents containing small print, symbols and special notations.

HAZARDS/UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Generally, work involves only exposure to normal, everyday risks. Work is subject to deadlines and requires tailoring and delivering work products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups.