Bilingual Communications and Media Relations Manager

License and Certification Qualifications:

• None Required

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree communications, journalism, or related field Required

Experience Qualifications:

• 5 years of related experience in public relations, marketing, or journalism, with documented experience in media relations and/or crisis communication Required

Skills Qualifications:

• Fluency in Spanish (written and oral) is required.
• Excellent writing, editing, and professional composition skills in both English and Spanish, with a demonstrated ability to creatively write compelling news releases and feature stories.
• Superior command of grammar and spelling in both languages, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare complex materials and information for release to the news media (print, electronic, and digital).
• High comfort level conducting on-camera and on-air interviews with news organizations in English and Spanish.
• Experience in crisis management and engagement strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple high-pressure situations and handle multiple requests for information simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with others.

Primary Responsibilities:

Serve as a key member of the creative team to build support for the district's vision, mission, and goals and to promote a positive image of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), its programs, and local schools. Under the supervision of the Director of Communications and Media Relations, plan, organize, and implement marketing and public relations strategies and activities, with a primary focus on effectively and creatively writing for both internal and external audiences in English and Spanish. Improve communication and outreach by supporting the establishment and maintenance of relationships with news media outlets, including Spanish-language media organizations. In this role, serve as the primary backup to the Director for Community and Media Relations, assisting in the management of media requests and ensuring the dissemination of accurate, timely, and consistent information regarding district policies, achievements, and critical issues to all stakeholders to ensure equitable access for the district's diverse community, Serve as a point of contact between Spanish-language news media outlets and the district to increase awareness of available programs and resources within the schools and the district for our families and community stakeholders.

 

• Creative Writing and Editorial Excellence (Bilingual)
  • Bilingual Storytelling and News Releases: Lead the research, reporting, and creative writing of high-impact feature stories and news releases in both English and Spanish to promote "good news" and system initiatives across the district.
  • Thought Leadership Writing: Serve as the primary writer for district thought leadership content, as needed, including speeches, remarks, opinion pieces, executive communications, talking points, and other materials that advance GCPS priorities and strengthen the district's voice and reputation.
  • Editorial Standards: Maintain the highest editorial standards, ensuring absolute accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, while strictly adhering to GCPS style and editorial policy in all written work.
  • Content Generation: Creatively brainstorm and develop new editorial and digital content projects in English and Spanish that enhance the district's reputation for quality.
  • Review and Feedback: Proofread and edit internal and external publications, newsletters, and reports, providing feedback to other contributors to ensure quality control.
• Media Relations and Crisis Communication (Backup to Director)
  • Backup Spokesperson: Serve as the primary backup spokesperson for GCPS, demonstrating broad system knowledge when responding to English- and Spanish-language media and community questions.
  • Bilingual Statement Development: Under the direction of the Director, assist in developing and delivering statements and key messages in English and Spanish on behalf of the district during critical issues or crises.
  • Media Relationship Maintenance: Assist in building and maintaining positive working relationships with print and electronic reporters�including those from Spanish-language news outlets�to ensure the district's messages are communicated effectively.
• Engagement and Strategy Support
  • Equitable Access: Help ensure equitable access for all stakeholders to district-level communications by identifying key audiences and developing targeted outreach activities.
  • Translation Coordination: Directly translate or coordinate the translation and dissemination of district-level communications through internal services and external vendors to ensure access for non-English-speaking families.
  • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Director to identify target audiences and develop strategies to expand the district's reach within the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to operate a motor vehicle in performance of duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.