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Job Description
Tacoma Public Schools
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
FTE: 1.0
Hours per day: 8
Salary Level: PT7 $43.23 - $60.53/hour
Additional Information: This is a TEMPORARY position covering for a staff member out on leave. The position will end when the staff member returns from leave or at the discretion of the district. The estimated end date is March 30, 2025.
Salary Placement is based on verifiable LIKE work experience.
This position, under the direction of the Executive Director of Communications for Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) or designee, performs a variety of written, oral, and digital communication tasks; may receive direction from Executive Directories designee; provides editorial and communications department assistance in the Communications Department and researches, writes, plans, produces, and proofreads articles, photography, video, graphics, District website development and digital print publications, and other assigned communication materials.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Assists in the development and implementation of comprehensive communication and public information plans, including research, strategy, and measurement development; interacts directly with employees throughout the District and with the public.
2. Coordinates the publication of assigned digital and print communications plans, produces, and writes general communications; develops and maintains webpages, creates news releases, photography, video features, and animated graphics related to District and other community relations/public information area activities; conducts interviews to obtain items for publication and to verify facts; under direction of the Executive Director of Communication, ensures consistent and cohesive messages are disseminated.
3. Assists, as directed by the Executive Director of Communication, with emergency and crisis communications to ensure clear, immediate, and consistent emergency messaging to District staff and the public.
4. Assists, under direction of the Executive Director of Communication, in collaborating with principals, safety & security, and others to help communicate issues at their respective schools/buildings through robocalls, emails, and other forms of mass internal communication.
5. Receives and assesses information, cooperates, under the direction of the administrator, with news media, law enforcement, and others, and informs appropriate District personnel.
6. Coordinates activities, events, board meeting recognitions, award entries, workshops, educational displays, and meetings.
7. Photographs and videos District/school events; acquires and maintains necessary releases.
8. Proofreads and edits District publications and other websites, and communication materials; follows all school board, District, state, and department guidelines, laws, and policies related to internal and external communication.
9. Responds accurately to general questions, as knowledge and position permits, from the public, staff, and media regarding school District activities/programs.
10. Develops annual plans for District publications and award entries under the direction of Executive Director of Communications or designee.
11. Tracks coverage of schools in District publications and media coverage from news releases or news tips.
12. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Communication, collaborates with external stakeholders to ensure communication processes are clear, accurate, and effective; works with schools in developing and implementing communications plans.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. Performs related activities as assigned, on a temporary basis.
2. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
3. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
CONDITIONS
Office environment; requires some travel in District; may work evenings, weekends or extended hours; may be required to work with and defuse, if appropriate, sensitive and difficult situations and/or people; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Valid Washington State drivers license with access to personal transportation.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Allowable Substitution
High school graduation and qualifying work experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of journalistic writing style and interview techniques.
Knowledge of maximizing the potential of all modes of media communications.
Knowledge of webpage and Web design.
Knowledge of desktop publishing, layout, and design.
Knowledge of word processing and desktop publishing systems.
Knowledge of publication design, materials, and terminology.
Knowledge of photography techniques and related equipment operation.
Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, video, and editing software.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information including digital format.
Skill, at a high level, in communication and organization.
Skill in providing and promoting quality customer service.
Skill in making presentations.
Skill in effective problem solving and decision making.
Skill in interviewing and interpersonal communications.
Skill in communication that builds understanding and goodwill externally and internally for TPS.
Ability to meet deadlines for communication projects/initiatives.
Ability to produce materials suitable for publication.
Ability to operate personal computer with related word processing and desktop publishing software applications.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to capture video/photos at various District sites/locations, as directed by the administrator, so that content can be used in various social media sites, when appropriate.
Ability to operate the necessary programs to produce finished products, as assigned.
Ability to write in Associated Press style.
Ability to proofread and edit a wide variety of publications.
Ability to provide quality customer service.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
Ability to work effectively with District staff, students, and the public in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic environment.
Closing Date/Time: Tue, 04 Nov 2025 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Tacoma Public Schools
Show moreTacoma Public Schools (TPS) is one of the largest districts in Washington State serving approximately 30,000 children in preschool through grade 12. The district has 35 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 10 high schools and 4 early learning centers. 19 schools are designated as innovative. TPS has nearly 5,000 employees and is one of the largest employers in Tacoma.
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