Communications Manager

Summary
The position supports the strategic communications goals of the association through content development, editorial coordination and storytelling across multiple channels. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position helps plan, write and edit content for KSBA's print and digital publications, website, social media and other outreach platforms. The position supports earned media efforts, monitors education news and contributes to a variety of organizational communications projects that highlight the mission, programs and advocacy of Kentucky's public school boards. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, creative thinker and collaborator who can translate often-complex education issues into clear, engaging stories.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Director of Communications, coordinates the editorial planning, content development, writing and editing of the Kentucky School Advocate and other KSBA publications.
• Serves as a writer and/or copy editor for KSBA communications, producing clear, engaging content for print, email newsletters (KSBA Aware, Legislative Update), social media, press releases and collateral materials to ensure consistency with KSBA's brand and voice.
• Monitors local, state and national news for relevant trends and topics in education.
• Assists in the development and execution of the association's strategic communications efforts and related campaigns.
• Provides some photography, videography and on-site communications coverage as needed.
• Supports legislative communications and advocacy initiatives by following education-related legislative committee meetings and legislative action.
• Represents KSBA at some events as assigned, such as conferences or other meetings.
• Helps ensure consistent application of KSBA brand standards across all communications

The Communications Manager cultivates goodwill and uses diplomacy, teamwork, and effective interaction skills necessary to gain and retain the respect of staff, members, district personnel and other education professionals. The position will perform all other job-related duties as assigned by the Director of Communications. From time to time, KSBA employees are required to assist other units as part of their regular job duties.

Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or a related field is required. Other qualifications include:

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in communications, journalism or public affairs.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with experience creating content for multiple platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
• Must be able to gather information, research and write multiple stories under deadline.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Office and online applications.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Work includes handling stressful situations, working under time pressures and with a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Must possess and exhibit professional maturity and dependability. Position requires employee to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Work includes extended periods at a desk or computer.
• Must have the ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work, including in-state overnight travel, is required.
• Regular in Attendance (absences do not affect work performance; adheres to scheduled arrival and departure time; notifies manager in a timely manner of anticipated and unanticipated absences; does not exhibit continued exhaustion of leave; works extra hours when needed.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with public education issues.
• Familiarity with use of social media platforms for organizations. Examples: Facebook/Meta Business Suite, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram.
• Familiarity with use of e-communications platforms. Examples: Constant Contact, Mailchimp, etc.
• Basic design/layout experience. Examples: Adobe InDesign, Canva.

Pay: $50, $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending