Job Title: Specialist, Press and Events
Terms of Employment: Grade 123 / 260 days (12 months)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: Engagement Office
Immediate Supervisor: Director, Communications
General Description:
The Press & Events Specialist manages the division’s major external events, including, but not limited to, graduation, RPS Shines, our end-of-year student celebrations, Summerfest and Somos Fest, the State of the District, events featuring external partners, and press conferences. They additionally lead pitching to local press and press management, to ensure that the full story of RPS is told to everyone in Richmond. This is a one-year contract role, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and budget availability. The Press & Events Specialist will serve as the point of contact for a small group of RPS directors and Chiefs, coordinating communications campaigns related to their work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop the project plans and vision to execute project plans with a high degree of independence and creativity
• Develops and manages budgets of all sizes, manages up and across RPS teams to execute events
• Vets and builds relationships with event vendors, including venues, caterers, videographers, and printers, to secure reasonable deals for RPS and steward funds responsibly
• Oversees setup, run of the show, and teardown for all events, including press conferences, breakfasts, discussions, graduations, and RPS Shines
• Pitches at least five stories of teaching, learning, and our phenomenal students and staff weekly to local media outlets
• Leads strategy around press conferences, including drafting media advisories/releases, location set-up, and set design, guest speaker talking points, and creating handouts/materials to support the objective of the press event
• Provide regular updates to leadership on RPS’s visibility in media, ensuring they have a complete picture of the coverage of RPS
• Drafts written content for web, digital, and social, including writing occasional ‘Love at the Center’ features for RPS Direct, creating talking points/speeches for RPS leaders, and drafting social content around events
• Works within the communications team’s matrixed approach to campaign management by serving as the point person for a set of RPS stakeholders and drafting communications campaigns that leverage a variety of communications tools
• Takes a client-oriented approach to helping RPS stakeholders identify their communications goals and propose solutions
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by keeping current with the literature and new research findings
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed or assigned
Qualifications:
• 5+ years of experience in event planning, government relations, political campaigning, communications, or journalism. Prior relationships with media or vendors are a benefit.
• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in communications, marketing, English, business, or a related field required. Experience with Microsoft, Google, and project-management tools (such as Trello) preferred
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; and strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail.
• Ability to learn quickly, work in a fast-paced environment, and multi-task effectively.
• Willingness to work outside standard business hours, including some weekends, for events.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver’s License and access to a personally owned personal vehicle.
• Physical capabilities and sensory skills to effectively use and operate various digital equipment.
HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net
Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable.
Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.