MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: COORDINATOR MEDIA RELATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

GRADE: 14

JOB CODE: 01287

FLSA: ADMINISTRATIVE

Job Summary

Promotes college activities and services through the planning and coordination of public information, internal communication and other communication efforts.

Scope

This position works in an assigned area. Work contacts include administrators, Governing Board members, faculty, staff, news media, educational institutions and the general public. Equipment used includes tape recorder, 35mm camera, graphics supplies and equipment, slide/tape projector, VCR and standard office equipment.

Supervision Received

This position reports to an assigned administrator; receives broad instruction regarding routine and standard matters; specific instructions regarding non‑routine and highly sensitive matters.

Supervision Exercised

May direct work of students and part‑time employees.

Representative Duties

Coordinates and plans college new bureau, which serves as a single source through which contact with the news media is funneled; initiates and maintains liaison with various media representatives both locally and nationally; writes, edits and disseminates news releases to the media; initiates and writes feature articles for the mass media about college personnel, students, facilities, activities, programs and curricula; arranges for radio and television appearances, press conferences and interviews with various media; receives and responds to press inquiries relating to the college; reviews college news coverage and maintains files on all material published about the college, its personnel and students; advises college employees/administrators on matters of publicity and public relations; provides informational material to the college newspaper and student bulletins for publication; takes or supervises the taking of photographs to augment articles and features; writes edits and supervises the production of weekly/monthly college wide employee publication; coordinates arrangements for special events including notification of the media; replies to letters soliciting information; prepares and/or edits speeches for administrators/Governing Board members; maintains and updates mailing lists for publications or releases to be sent to local, state and national news media; attends bi‑monthly Governing Board meeting to report on its decisions and answer questions from the press; performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: news--writing and other writing styles; graphic design including the use of photography and printing; current public relations and marketing principles, practices and techniques; philosophy and activities of community colleges; media relations.

Ability to: maintain effective liaison with all elements of local and national news media to facilitate coverage and favorable placement of releases; maintain updated awareness of districtwide activities; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish cooperative working relationships with persons contacted in the course of performing assigned duties.

Training and Experience

Any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. An example of this would be a college degree in journalism or communication and/or responsible experience in public information, public relations, media relations or reporting.

Special Conditions of Employment

This position occasionally requires the individual to work flexible hours. Some positions may require a Class D Driver’s License.

Working Conditions

The class specification is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to the class and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.