Location:  Washington, D.C.
Team:  Communications, Membership and Outreach
Reports To:  Director of Communications
FLSA Status:  Exempt

ORGANIZATION
 The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. CCSSO seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

SUMMARY
Provide tactical communication support for CCSSO under supervision of Director of Communications. Work independently with minimal supervision. Consult with internal clients on Council-wide messaging and help manage program external communications (Council brand). Collaborate with program staff communicators to drive messaging on Council-wide initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the creation and execution of newsletters, talking points and presentations.
• Manages CCSSO’s social media strategy on multiple platforms.
• Creates and delivers a variety of communication pieces utilizing print, multi-media and online communication mediums.
• Assists the communications team in the planning for and implementation of releases and events.
• Oversees CCSSO’s new States Leading blog
• Manages front-end updates to the CCSSO website to ensure it is up-to-date and engaging
• General support to the communications team.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE               

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related industry field preferred
• A minimum of (3) years’ work experience.  Five (5) years’ work experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Technologies/software packages, e.g., Content Management System, Adobe Photoshop, HTML
• Superior written and verbal communications skills
• Effective multi-tasker with the ability to juggle several projects and varying deadlines
• Solid organizational/creative skills, detail oriented, collaborative team player
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to think big and innovate

TECHNICAL SKILLS                  
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Photoshop, HTML and have created or used charts, spreadsheets, and databases. Successful incumbents are proficient at using WebEx, Outlook, and Intranet/Internet tools. Experience using basic website platforms, such as Wordpress or Drupal, is preferred.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.