Communication Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of the Office of Diverse Learners Support Services (ODLSS), the Community Specialist will serve as the external/internal representative for ODLSS. The Communications Specialist will play a critical role in creating and disseminating accessible dual-language content for Chicago communities and families. The Specialist in tandem ODLSS team on the development of and release of all CPS external-facing communications, ensuring content is accessible for Spanish-speaking partners. This individual must be proficient in English and Spanish with excellent written and verbal communication skills. This person will play an integral role in the development of digital content strategies that expand awareness of the ODLSS by engaging key audiences such as school communities, families, external partners, and the media.

The Communication Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal communications liaison for Office of Diverse Learners Support Services   and the general public as applicable
• Manage and develop internal and external communication for current staff, students, family, and community members and ensure branding, imagery, marketing, etc. are in alignment with all internal policies and procedures;
• Oversee and fulfill all internal written translation requests from cross-functional team members, with particular attention to  internal customer service, timely turnaround, and quality control  
• Highlight the organization’s work to dual language audiences, through storytelling, traditional and digital media;
• Design and pitch stories to media outlets and manage the OSA’s social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), blogs, and other digital channels;
• Conduct comprehensive research, gather information, and perform various complex analyses to create technical and creative content and brand strategies;
• Support CPS’s media engagement, including periodic pitches to Spanish speaking media outlets and media prep support for CPS advocates.  
• Draft and edit key communications documents such as news releases and talking points for Chief and other staff in partnership with the Communications Office;
• Attend meetings with the various CPS departments to advance ODLSS messaging and to communicate key strategic initiatives;
• Coordinate and guide cross-functional projects related to short-term assignments and campaigns;
• Performs additional ad hoc duties as assigned; 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Communication Specialist must possess the following qualifications: 

Type of Education Required: 

•    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required;  

Type of Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the Communications field including marketing and branding
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing an organization’s social media platforms increasing engagement and followership
• Experience working with executive-level leaders or elected officials
• Experience developing effective communications strategies and/or change management strategies in a high-growth environment
• Experience with website management, content creation, and graphic design tools 
• Adobe Creative Suite and digital media creation experience required
• Experience managing and executing a cross-channel editorial calendar, from conception to publication and promotion
• Experience working in dynamic, high-intensity situations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Native Spanish speaker, ideally with experience/roots in Chicago, with an  understanding of dialectic nuances of the Spanish language  
• Excellent dual-language (English and Spanish) verbal and written  communication skills 
• Ability to manage self and workload effectively with strong task-orientation  and attention to detail, be flexible and adaptive, and follow through on  execution 
• Experience or familiarity with Chicago Public Schools is a plus 
• Preferably a digital native with strong MS Office and Google Suite skills  

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.