Communications Specialist II (Head Start)
2 days ago
Fresno
Job Description SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Head Start Director and Marketing and Communications Director, coordinates planning, development, and implementation of communications and community relations activities to support Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 program. This includes developing and executing strategic social media and digital initiatives, including creating awareness campaigns and integrating media into the overall outreach strategies. This position focuses on written content creation. Assist in the fulfillment of the Agency’s vision, “A strong Fresno County where people have resources to shape their future free from poverty.” DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinates planning, development, and implementation of marketing and public relations activities to support Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 families and children. This includes developing and executing strategic social media and digital initiatives, including creating marketing campaigns and integrating media into the program’s overall marketing and outreach strategies. Works with all Head Start 0 to 5 service area managers and in conjunction with the Head Start Director and Marketing and Communications Director to develop, assess and coordinate strategic, creative concepts and marketing plans that effectively increase the Head Start 0 to 5 Program’s public image in a cost-effective and innovative manner. Advises and supports Head Start 0 to 5 service area managers related to marketing and promotional needs. Provides education and outreach support in a strategic and planned manner, including community presentations or meetings. Assists Service Area Managers with identifying and pursuing innovative communication and marketing opportunities. Responsible for communicating all marketing campaigns and media relations to Head Start Director and Marketing and Communications Director to assure all campaigns, media relations and communications meet Fresno EOC guidelines. Organizes, coordinates and oversees the marketing activities for the Head Start 0 to 5 Program. Develops public relations and marketing concepts to help enhance Head Start 0 to 5 Program’s internal and external communication efforts in accordance with Fresno EOC and Head Start Program Performance Standards directives. Oversees and coordinates all outreach activities and functions performed, including direct supervision, strategizing, planning, development and implementation of outreach & fundraising activities to increase Head Start 0 to 5 participation rates, and secure alternate funding sources. Seeks out compelling program stories through photos, words and video, creates public relations materials that effectively describes, promotes and enhances programs internal and external communication efforts to raise community awareness of the Head Start 0 to 5 program services. Creates professional outreach and marketing materials including but not limited to: television and radio scripts, media advisories, annual required public service announcements, brochures, fact sheets, printed advertisements, newsletters and presentations. Writes press releases, editorials, articles, web content, social media posts and email blasts and obtains approval for dissemination of information from Head Start Director and Marketing and Communications Director. Increases outreach opportunities by researching, soliciting and visiting with media outlets. Captures dynamic images that tell the stories of our programs and clients. Develops impactful video content for social media, TV advertisements and funder needs. Develops digital and print content for all communications needs. Regularly posts relevant content on all designated social media outlets and tracks corresponding metrics. Represents the Program and Agency at outreach activities and media events with the goal of increasing positive awareness of Head Start 0 to 5 Program Services. Responds to public inquiries in a timely and effective manner. Available in media/public relations crises as needed to make recommendations as to course of action. Provides event coordination and outreach assistance. Ensures proper branding identity throughout all communications and materials. Assists in the development and implementation of special events and promotional activities. Proofreads and revises communications as needed. Participates in and spearheads special projects as assigned. Collaborates with Fresno EOC, Head Start staff and outside agencies on assigned projects with strict deadlines and goals. Makes recommendations to Head Start Director and Marketing and Communications Director to address any concerns with ongoing projects or communication pieces. Establishes community connections that can help push forward program initiatives. Creates engaging, informational, presentations to be utilized by the programs as needed. Translates communication materials into secondary language such as Spanish to serve client needs as required. Participates in and leads presentations, orientations, meetings, conference calls, as directed. Works with staff to use the intranet to increase internal communications, including event calendaring. Works with program staff to write and acquire content for the web site, communicating with staff to edit/approve content. Represents Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 in a positive and professional manner at all times. Ensures confidentiality of participants, clients, programs, employees, co-workers, the agency and other related information. Complies with all agency, state, and federal policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations. Actively engages in staff meetings. Analyzes data and prepares reports on the effectiveness of promotional materials and efforts. Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency. Travels on short notice for assignments between work locations within Agency service area and occasionally travels outside of Fresno County to attend meetings, conferences, participate in workshops, and conduct presentations. Tracks projects and time spent. Adheres to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA-2010) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities are enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law. Maintains strict compliance with universal precautions. Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Head Start 0 to 5 staff, children and families. Travels for agency business using personal transportation. Maintains regular attendance and punctuality. Works evenings and weekends as required. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION: • Three (3) years of related journalism, marketing, communications, outreach, event planning, coordinating and managing projects in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment with limited supervision experience required., • Six (6) months professional social media (Facebook, Instagram) experience required. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software. Adobe Creative Suite knowledge preferred. Ability to connect with, convince and elicit action from an audience. Ability to multitask and prioritize workload. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred based on the needs of the clients and the agency. Effective presentation and verbal communication skills. Must possess strong written communication skills. Self-starter, able to identify and complete projects to specifications on time and with limited supervision. Ability to work and interact with diverse populations to develop and maintain supportive, respectful, and empowering relationships with families, co-workers, and the community. Proven record of helping others and making a positive impact in our community. Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position. Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles. Proof of insurance will be required. Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment. Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment. Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification within the first three (3) days of employment. Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA). Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1st through December 1st. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances: 1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physical declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe., 2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and/or measles., 3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only apples to the influenza (flu) vaccine. Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC. REV. 03.04.2025 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm 7.5 hours per day