PGCEA
Prince George’s County Educators’ Association

Communications Specialist

Based in Forestville, MD

 

The Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) represents more than 10,000 certified employees, including classroom teachers, school counselors, speech pathologists, media specialists and other non-supervisory educators in the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system.

PGCEA is seeking an experienced Communications Specialist with 4-6 years of experience in strategic program which demonstrates success in digital engagement, including social media; media relations; writing and editing; strategic campaign support; and development of advocacy initiatives that support policy and program. and campaign planning and implementation. This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to help build an innovative program with measurable impact in areas of narrative development, member and community engagement that supports and advances a quality public education for every student in Prince George’s County. The successful applicant will function as a member of the senior strategic team, in partnership with the PGCEA Board. PGCEA is seeking an experienced communications specialist with experience and demonstrated success in graphic design, digital engagement, including social media; media relations; writing and editing; strategic campaign support; and development of advocacy initiatives that support policy and program.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Implement comprehensive strategic communications and political program plan.
• Develop a member engagement and advocacy program with measurable impact on education policy and program.
• Implement the development and delivery of written materials, including e-newsletters, blog posts, press releases and media advisories, website updates, and social media and ensure consistent branding in all aspects of PGCEA’s work.
• Implement metrics reports to measure effectiveness of external communication channels with the goal of continuously improving strategy to reach and engage members.
• Maintain relationships with the media, including reports and editorial boards.
• Identify strategic media opportunities, organize public press events, respond to media inquiries and serve as on-the-record point of contact for the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Imagination, creativity, strong listening skills and high energy.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelors in English, marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent.
• 4-6 years’ experience managing communications, media projects or political programming.
• Excellent writing, editorial expertise and communications skills and the ability to translate information for all audiences.
• Functional knowledge of website management (i.e. HTML, FTP, etc.) WordPress, and social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
• Functional knowledge of communication platforms (i.e. Action Network, Constant Contact, and Hustle). In addition to JotForm.
• InDesign and other software knowledge and experience (i.e. Canva).
• Photoshop knowledge and experience.
• Exceptional project management skills with proven experience in meeting tight deadlines, delivering high-quality products, and thriving in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent organizational skills and superior attention to detail, thrive in a fast-paced environment and work on projects simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• A strong commitment to organized labor and the role of educators in public schools.
• Ability to be flexible.

Other skills desired:

• Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus.
• Knowledge of current education, political and legislative issues at the local, state and national levels.
• A strong commitment to organized labor and the role of educators in public schools.

Core Expectations/Responsibilities:

• Develops communications content and materials using a variety of tactics (written communications, presentation materials, text, Zoom and other platforms, town halls, small group meetings) to articulate key message and foster member engagement.
• Responsible for association communications/publications including print, digital media and online engagement through social media.
• Amplify our members’ voices by understanding their concerns and empowering them to speak out—resulting in powerful, authentic communications.
• Responsible for internal and external public relations/marketing programs including news releases to media.
• Create press releases, talking points, and engaging content for the bi-weekly newsletter
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key media contacts
• Plan and strategically coordinate press conferences to maximize media impact.
• Collaborate with the team to develop and maintain web page content.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and deliver clear, effective messaging
• Coordinate with committees to manage printing and communications needs.
• Assist in message development for PGCEA/MSEA leadership and management.
• Manage PGCEA social media pages and channels including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn,Twitter, and YouTube.
• Coordinate and review all association correspondence and printed materials distributed to members, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan and proper logo usage.
• Ensure all internal and external association content is current, engaging, and informative.
• Inform members, via various communications about policy considerations affecting their work.
• Follow the flow of legislation and advocate for PGCEA’s positions on relevant bills, which would include preparation of testimony to committees and written communications to elected officials.
• Communicate to members concerning election activities consistent with PGCEA priorities.
• Promote legislative advocacy among members through various internal communication vehicles.
• Assist in lobbying efforts to promote and advance the PGCEA legislative agenda.
• Manage Capwiz/Action Network as an on-line lobbying platform.

Physical Requirements:
Work is generally performed in an office setting. However, duties and functions may require performing work in the field with members and outside constituents. Some irregular hours are required. Intermittent travel may be required.

Competitive salary and benefits:
Starting salary is $75,000 – $81,000 based on experience. Excellent benefits including short- and long-term disability, life insurance, health insurance, generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave schedules provided.  

PGCEA is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly believe our organization and our work benefit from the experiences and perspectives of a diverse staff.

To Apply:
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, salary requirements and 3 writing samples to:

Yahnae Easton, Executive Director
PGCEA
8008 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD  20747
pgceahelpdesk@pgcea.org
ATTN: Communications Specialist