Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator

Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours / Day; 252 Days / Year; 12 Months / Year; Grade D

DEFINITION

The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator is a creative professional who uses their artistic abilities to craft visual and compositional solutions to support every aspect of communications.

The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator will create aesthetically pleasing and compositional concepts to effectively convey information.

The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator will take a supportive role in the marketing and graphic design initiatives for Norfolk Public Schools.

The employee who serves in this position will assist the Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Community Engagement Officer and the Director of Communications in implementing the division’s strategic plans and initiatives, with a focus on expanding digital and print media for Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) in support of its communications efforts.

This position requires excellent writing and editing skills as well as extensive knowledge of different media platforms and the function and best practices for each, implementing the use of these platforms as an effective means of communication and storytelling.

This employee also has working knowledge of graphic design, photography, and videography. The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator will be responsible for growing the division’s digital footprint, website and intranet, creating social media and newsletter content, and reviewing and scheduling content submitted for publication by other team members.

The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator will also provide support to the Director for comprehensive communications campaigns, improving internal communications (such as the employee newsletter and intranet site), along with press releases and other written materials.

The individual who serves in this position will provide support for the division’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program by managing an assigned portion of the division’s requests.

Additionally, this individual will support the communications team with other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

The Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator duties are performed under the direction of the Chief Strategy, Innovations, and Community Engagement Officer.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Communications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (Performs a variety of duties itemized below.)

Must be able to work flexible hours including evening events.

Knowledge of Data Base Marketing software.

Provide marketing support for familiarization tours, site inspections, client events, concerts, family shows, sporting events and other miscellaneous events.

Assist in public relations efforts such as press conferences, media releases, story pitches, media drops, etc.

Support in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to maximize event awareness and exposure for aforementioned events.

Assist in the communication and support efforts for other departments such as Corporate Partnerships.

Assist in the coordination and creation of internet and database marketing programs and initiatives.

Performs other duties to include projects as assigned, including draft, edit, and review of materials such as newsletters, social media, presentations, press releases, publications, videography, and web developer assignments, and etc.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience with creating visual content for online and offline platforms like websites, print ads, logos, and videos.

Possess a strong aesthetic sense, combining brand standards, typography, color theory, and graphic elements.

Knowledgeable of design theory, proficiency in design software, with a promising portfolio.

Understanding of concept creation, layout design, collaboration with copywriters, and amending designs based on feedback.

Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Creative and proactive problem solver.

Experienced in Adobe software (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and / or Canva.

Excellent written and oral skills, including presentation experience.

Knowledge of public relations principles.

Knowledge of social media and analytics.

Knowledge of website maintenance and management.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer.

Thorough knowledge of social media platforms including, at minimum, Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, etc. Understands concepts, practices, and strategies for using social media and demonstrates a willingness to learn and embrace new platforms.

Extensive knowledge of using mobile devices to capture pictures and video in support of social media, and ability to create and post content from these devices independently, without error.

Ability to create graphics using Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or other graphic design tools.

High-level professional writing and storytelling skills; excellent editing skills.

Knowledge of best practices for hashtags, emojis, and memes and the functionality of each platform (buttons, scheduling, tagging, etc.

to support social media content.

Ability to plan, coordinate, organize, schedule, and prioritize activities, functions, and assignments.

Ability to independently identify and cultivate continuing social media stories / campaigns / efforts and create ways of improving and sustaining content.

Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with superiors, peers, government officials, community organizations, business leaders, and the news media.

Knowledge of or willingness to learn applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and directives such as the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, including emergency and critical situations, and the ability to calmly communicate with internal and external audiences during these situations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Preferred) from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Communications, Business, or Marketing or a minimum of 3 years of graphic design and marketing experience preferred.

LICENSE / CERTIFICATION

None

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work requires normal physical effort associated with working in an office environment. Additional work environments include school settings, board meetings, and athletic events.

HAZARDS

Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS

This position may require flexible or additional work hours, including on-call duties, responses, and work during emergency situations including inclement weather, active threat, or other school closure.

Furthermore, this work is subject to changing requirements, priorities, and interruptions. Resilience under pressure is essential.

Work is performed in an office setting as well as throughout the school division and school community. Additionally, work requires continuous professional development in the areas of communications, media, community, and public relations.