So you want to be a Joplin R-8 Community Development Specialist

The Joplin R-8 School District is getting ready to sell advertising.

At least that's the impression given by the job posting that was placed on the district website today.

The position is listed as community development specialist and if you are interested, here is what district officials are looking for:

Position:                  Community Development Specialist

 

Term:                      12 Month

 

Classification:           Classified/Exempt

 

Location:                  Administration

 

Qualifications:          Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in business, marketing, or a related field, or previous sales or media experience. 5-10 years of previous sales or media experience preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered; Master’s Degree in related field beneficial. 

 

Supervisory:             No

 

Reports to:               Director of Communications and Community Engagement

 

Summary: Under administrative direction, plans and sells advertising spaces to individuals and businesses. Develops and provides opportunities for businesses and organizations to purchase ads in district signage, publications, and websites, as well as sponsor various programs and events. Contacts possible clients, follows-up with interested clients, travels to clients’ businesses to discuss and explain advertising opportunities. Provides artistic and graphic design contribution to development and construction of signage and other marketing materials for district facilities, programs, and initiatives. 

 

Essential Functions:

• Leads fundraising activities to support district operations, scholarship programs, and special projects and campaigns.
• Maintains current accounts, making regular calls to clients to discuss and recommend advertising opportunities.
• Contacts prospective new clients to solicit their support of Joplin Schools programs and events through advertising and sponsorships.
• Maintains working knowledge of marketing space openings, including their various benefits, so as to be able to provide quick, accurate information to clients.
• Prepares promotional plans, sales literature, media kits, sales contracts, purchase orders, invoices and fund balance reports. 
• Explains all information found in advertising contracts to ensure clients’ understanding.
• Collects contractual payments resulting from advertising work performed.
• Coordinates and attends client-sponsored or district-sponsored events as required.
• Creates, modifies and refines graphics, sign designs and other marketing materials to conform to district specifications or changes in design trends using InDesign, Canva, or similar software.
• Coordinates advertising with the district webmaster and Director of Communications.
• Coordinates advertising with the district Athletic Director and Assistant Superintendent for Operations in district athletic venues and facilities as necessary.
• Coordinates with Joplin Schools Foundation Development Specialist to safeguard productive relationships based on client sponsorship and/or advertising goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications or Superintendent.

 

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Professional Characteristics:

• Knowledge of development/fundraising concepts and appropriate solicitation techniques
• Strong interpersonal/human relations skills
• Strong verbal and professional written communication skills
• Marketing and presentation skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to interact with diplomacy and tact amid influential clients and diverse groups
• Ability to adapt and respond to various situations

Physical Demands

Level:  Light

• The position requires walking, hearing, speaking, and vision at close and moderate distances.  
• The position requires frequent travel between district facilities and client offices. 
• The position requires prolonged sitting and standing; stooping, bending, reaching and lifting; physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or materials up to approximately 25lbs; the ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions; and operates in occasionally stressful and/or hectic environments with irregular hours.
• The position requires regular and consistent attendance and physical presence at the job.

 

Conditions and Environment

The work conditions and environment for this position are consistent with a typical office environment and 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.

 

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.