LOCATION: Engagement & Development Services – Niskayuna Central School District BASIC FUNCTION: This is professional public relations work with responsibility for developing and implementing a program of planned and strategic two-way communication, which also includes publicizing and distributing information about school district or BOCES news, events, programs, services and facilities. Employees in this class maintain close contact and cooperate with policy-making officials, school staff, local media representatives and the public. Work is performed independently in accordance with established policies and practices. Supervision of program projects and activities may be required. Does related work as required. RESPONSIBILITIES: + Works closely with school district and/or BOCES administrators and staff to assess communications needs, opportunities and strategies. + Plans, develops and produces a wide-range of communications strategies and materials for both internal and external audiences, including but not limited to newsletters, brochures, press releases, news articles, fact sheets, presentations, special reports etc.. + Assists in analyzing and explaining school district budgets, student testing and achievement data and/or other complex information related to school programs, policies and operations. + Attends meetings and maintains records of information released. + Good knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and public relations. + Good knowledge of appropriate media sources for dissemination of information. + Good knowledge of English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar. + Ability to read, interpret, analyze and summarize complex written documents. + Ability to acquire a knowledge of school district operations and complex educational issues. + Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. + Ability to express oneself effectively in both oral or written form. + Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Job Qualifications + Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of paid experience in journalism, news/feature/commentary writing, public relations or communications; OR, + Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree and four (4) years of paid experience in journalism, news/feature/commentary writing, public relations or communications. The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001. Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title . This is a NY HELP (Hiring Emergency Limited Placement) Program designated title. NY HELP is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues. Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELP Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment. For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a HELP Program position. At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status. Employees occupying positions filled through the HELP Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam. Position Start Date:12/09/2024 Application Deadline:12/07/2024 Civil Service Title: Public Information Specialist or Trainee Job Number: 2025-125A2