Manager of Communications and Publications

MINIMUM SALARY: $73,000

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt

REPORT TO: Chief Public Affairs Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

Provides editorial and writing services for all NJSBA internal and external communications. Edits, writes, conducts research and interviews, and performs fact-checking and proofreading for publications, reports, news releases, and other print and online documents and web pages. Also assists in the planning, holding, and moderating of on-site and/or virtual NJSBA events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Communications department and the Chief Public Affairs Officer with writing and editing all Association communication, including but not limited to publications, training announcements, press releases, broadcast emails, speeches, and other initiatives.
• Plans, researches, writes, and edits the weekly electronic edition of School Board Notes – and also creates and posts the issue in WordPress.
• Develops lead stories for School Board Notes, often several weeks in advance.
• Coordinates with NJSBA staff members for weekly contributions to School Board Notes.
• Creates submission guidelines for staff on contributions to School Board Notes.
• Assists with writing, editing, and coordinating writers for the Association’s quarterly magazine, School Leader.
• Works with the video producer to create the quarterly School Leader Up Close, a short video segment about an article in that quarter’s issue of School Leader – as well as any other video interviews deemed necessary to promote news and/or tout NJSBA initiatives.
• Assists the Chief Public Affairs Officer and marketing team in creating messages and finding prospects who will advertise in School Leader or other publications produced by the Communications Department.
• Plans special sections, writes articles, and works with contributing writers for the quarterly School Leader.
• Conducts research and interviews, works closely with NJSBA committees, writes stories and reports, performs fact-checking and proofreading for publications, and writes news releases and other print and online documents.
• Assists other departments with the creation and production of printed and online publications, such as the quarterly Capitol Watch, produced by the Government Relations department.
• Supports the NJSBA Workshop and the Association’s public relations programs as well as other programs as needed.
• Edits and proofreads program proposals for the NJSBA Workshop and helps write and edit scripts, testimony, and speeches for the executive director, NJSBA executive committee members, and staff.
• Updates the news, communications, and publications sections of the NJSBA website, writes news releases, “backgrounders,” and opinion articles.
• Updates the Topic pages of the NJSBA website so that they remain fresh and current on a periodic basis.
• Responds to inquiries from school board members, school administrators, the news media, and the public, and participates in communications training for new board members.
• Works with the Association on meetings, conferences, and committees.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as required, including the semi-annual Delegate Assembly and quarterly Legislative Committee meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BA or BS in Journalism or a related degree.
• At least four years’ experience and working knowledge in state government, political issues, and awareness of issues affecting school funding.
• At least four years’ experience in writing and editing publications under a tight deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Apps, including Teams, Lists, SharePoint, OneDrive, Forms, and traditional Office Apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of education issues.
• Working knowledge of state government and politics.
• Basic knowledge of working in WordPress.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms.
• Familiarity with page layout systems and graphic design principles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

Strong written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to multitask, set priorities, and stay organized. Must be deadline-oriented.

NJSBA OFFERS

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• PERS Pension
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] by March 31, 2025.