Job Title:                            Student Worker - Communication 

Wage/Hour Status:           Nonexempt

Department:                      Public Relations 

Reports To:                        Public Relations Officer

Approved By:                     Superintendent

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SUMMARY:

The Donna ISD communications/public relations internship is a single-semester program. The student worker will gain experience in communications strategy and public relations practices while working with the communications department staff to assist with writing projects, videography, photography, web postings and other departmental functions. In addition, the student worker will have the opportunity to build a professional portfolio by having his/her writing and photographs published on the web and in district publications. The internship program provides an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience and contribute in an active, demanding and dynamic public relations environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• The ideal student worker will be pursuing an interest in the field of communication, journalism or marketing.
• Driver’s License preferred or must have transportation to the work site.

EDUCATION:

Currently enrolled in a DISD high school education program.

EXPERIENCE:

An interest in the field of communication and enrolled in a high school pathway related to the field of communication.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient skills in typing, keyboarding, and file maintenance
• Ability to operate a personal computer and related software to develop spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing
• Working knowledge of typewriter, printer, copier, fax machine, and calculator
• Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Patience in dealing with parents and students
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

• Writing, editing, proof-reading and research skills
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines

• Organizational skills and ability to multi-task

• General knowledge of graphic design, digital photography and videography, preferred
• Working knowledge of and experience with various computer programs including Microsoft Office, Light Room, Photoshop and Adobe Premier Pro
• Initiative, positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Transportation to and from district events as assigned, preferred
• Demonstrate ability to work with others

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Records, Reports, and Correspondence

1. Photograph events of the district, its schools and its programs, and write concise, informative news briefs for the district website and social media accounts

2. Assist with writing articles, briefs, and compiling/shooting photographs for newsletters
3. Assist with content creation for social media postings
4. Support other district departments, programs and schools in promoting events and newsworthy items (producing fliers, photographs, videos etc.)
5. Assist with special event planning and preparation

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors

• Demonstrate patience, flexibility and professionalism when interacting with students, staff, parents, visitors and members of the community
• Standing, squatting, kneeling and other positions as necessary for photographing newsworthy events
• Periods of sitting as needed to complete writing projects
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

Reception and Phones

1. Assist students, teachers, and parents, as needed.
2. Receive incoming calls, take reliable messages, and route to appropriate staff.

Files

8. Maintain physical and computerized files including inventory of school and office supplies, mailing lists, student records, visitor logs, and office communication.
9. Update handbooks, policy manuals, and other documents, as assigned.

Other

1. Sort, distribute, or deliver mail and other documents.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
4. Participate in faculty meeting and special events as assigned.
5. Exercise professional judgment in absences; be punctual to work, meetings, and appointments.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of people.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent; and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of the computer is required.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. 

This position requires meeting multiple demands from several people at the same time.  The employee continuously interacts with staff, students and the general public. The employee must maintain emotional control under stress.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.  Work is regularly performed indoors.