Huff Administration spends $50,000 for special project coordinator

With the possibility of President Obama coming to Joplin to see the six-and-a-half-mile ribbon, it became more important than ever for the Joplin R-8 School District and the C. J. Huff Administration to fill the special projects coordinator position.

So important that reportedly newly-hired Whitney Warren will earn in the neighborhood of $50,000 for a job that was advertised for $32,000.

The $50,000 expense comes at a time when the district has eliminated all of its part-time reading instructors, but then again, there are times when it seems like the Joplin R-8 School District has more special projects than reading taking place.

This was the original ad placed on the district website for the event coordinator:

Position:                      Special Projects Coordinator

Term:                          12 Month

Classification:             Classified/Exempt

Location:                     Administration

Qualifications:             Bachelor's Degree preferred;

                                    3-5 years related experience and/or training preferred

                                    Equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills/Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent communication skills; speaking, writing listening
• Superior organizational skills
• Strong analytical, detailed planning, and project management skills
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly, innovate, and think beyond traditional methods
• Curious and creative by nature
• Proactive, self-motivated, flexible and able to self-supervise/work independently
• Detail-oriented while maintaining sight of big picture
• Personal maturity and good judgment
• Strong work ethic
• Highest ethical and professional standards

Supervisory:               No

Reports to:                  Director of Communications & Community Development

Responsible for coordinating and executing a variety of project based administrative duties which require attention to detail, a proactive can-do attitude, and strong problem solving skills.

General Expectations:

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students.
• Safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Communicates effectively with all the members of the school district and community.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Reacts to change productively.
• Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes.
• Ensures that all activities conform to district and state guidelines.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates an ability to coordinate activities between departments and individuals to produce a desired result.
• Manage calendars, coordinate and schedule meetings.
• Provide project updates and share relevant information.
• Provide administrative and logistic support for all district project-based assignments.
• Assist with special projects and reports as needed.
• Schedule travel arrangements.
• Research various topics; summarize findings in writing and verbally.
• Organize and manage special events and meetings.
• Prepare event budget and manage event finances including check requests, invoicing, and reporting.
• Negotiate event discounts/advantages on behalf of the school district; identify cost-savings.
• Propose ideas to improve the project/event planning and implementation process.
• Solicit and secure sponsorships for events as needed.
• Carry out all other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

Level:  Light

• Occasional Lifting up to 25 pounds
• The individual who holds this position is regularly required to walk, hear and speak and must have close moderate and distance vision ability.  
• The individual must be able to travel between district facilities. The position requires a moderate amount of travel.

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment.

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Primary Location	ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Salary Range	$32,000.00 / Per Year
Shift Type	Full-Time