Full Job Description

Job Title: Public Relations Technician

Location: Teacher Administrative Center (T.A.C.), 3215 Cuming St. Omaha, NE 68131

Reports To: External Relations Administrator

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12 month / Full Time / Hourly Non-Exempt

Salary Schedule: 91B – Step 1: $24.12 per hour

Position Purpose: As the largest school district in Nebraska and a major employer in the state, the District Communications office serves as an essential link between staff, students, families and our community. As part of the team, this position is integral in the development of overall communications strategy, independently crafting regular district publications, developing and deploying press releases, and assisting with on-site media relations.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Increase awareness of positive district news by writing stories and features for online and print publications.
• Manage content production of the monthly INSIDE OPS newsletter.
• Take photographs or video for use in district publications.
• Support schools with time-sensitive communications materials.
• Assist with crisis communication support to families and schools, including dissemination of mass communications.
• Assist with long-term communications plan development and execution, particularly relating to the Omaha Public Schools Student Assignment Plan and Bond Program.
• Responsible for drafting and deploying regular news releases to promote district activities and events.
• Responsible for creating the bi-monthly Superintendent’s Congratulations report.
• Assist with media relations.
• Assist district departments with public notices.
• Support other departments, as well as staff and families directly, with accurate answers to questions about the district.
• Support special events facilitated by the District Communications department.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Mass Communications or a related field.
• Previous professional experience in mass communications or public relations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to execute projects independently with support from teammates and supervisors.
• Operating knowledge of Microsoft Office and some or all of the Adobe Creative Suite.

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers and scanners. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Frequent travel within Omaha Public Schools boundaries, between schools and the Teacher Administrative Center will be required. Occasional travel outside of Omaha may be involved.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have strong organization, time management, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary attendance.
• Ability to work the required number of hours. Hours may include infrequent evenings and weekends.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to work within the local community/neighborhood as appropriate.
• Work in a standard office and school environment.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Regular attendance is essential.

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.