Communications Specialist III - Communications Section, 606725 (2026-02969)

**APPLICANTS MAY BE EDUCATIONAL OFFICERS, TEACHERS AND OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS** **SPECIAL INTERNAL / EXTERNAL** **TYPE OF APPOINTMENT ISSUED:** This position is excluded from the Educational Officers' Bargaining Unit and will be filled as a clear line appointment. **A WRITTEN EXAMINATION/ASSIGNMENT MAY BE ADMINISTERED TO HELP DETERMINE POSSESSION OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES PORTIONS OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.** Under the general supervision of the Communications Director of the Communications Branch, the Communications Specialist III: 1. Under the general supervision of the Director of Communications, oversees the staff production of print, web and broadcast content to showcase schools, programs and initiatives aligned to the Department's mission and strategic goals and progress on Department activities. Reviews requests from schools, complex areas and state offices to assist with materials for distribution and submits recommendations to the Director. 2. Works closely with the Director of Communications and other Communications Specialists to generate timely and accurate information about Department programs for print and digital materials, including but not limited to news releases, public announcements, newsletters, ads, flyers, reports, social media posts, videos and other collateral. Ensures accuracy, clarity, coherence and consistency of language for all content. 3. Works in collaboration with the Director of Communications to strategically plan the messaging, content, organization, format and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences. Manages the timely execution and dissemination of approved content to internal and external audiences. 4. Responds to inquiries for public information concerning Department operations, programs, activities and policies. 5. Assists with conference/event planning and logistics for training and award ceremonies and other promotional events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department 6. Performs other related duties as assigned.**Education**: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in public relations, news or professional writing, marketing and advertising. ***Desired Education***: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in news writing or professional writing, public relations, marketing and advertising. **Experience**: Seven (7) years of responsible professional work experience in communication, journalism and/or public relations of which three (3) years shall have been in an education program, agency or system. ***Desired Experience***: Seven (7) years of responsible experience working in a professional communications environment in the public sector with an emphasis on crisis communications, multimedia design/content and digital environments, including managing a team. ***Combined Education and Experience***: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable, as determined by the Department. **Knowledge**: Communication principles in theory and practice; expository writing; news writing and digital journalism; familiarity with media relations protocols; current practices and challenges in public relations and crisis communications; traditional media, social media, and digital platforms used in public communication; laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to area(s) of assignment. ***Desired Knowledge***: Writing for public relations; current practices and challenges in crisis communications; team management principles. **Ability to**: Deal effectively with internal stakeholders, the public and the media; draft and edit news releases; develop and deliver clear, timely and accurate communications during crises or emergencies; prepare speeches, annual reports and other public statements; communicate effectively wi…