**Interviews for this position will begin in mid- to late August. Applicants selected for an interview will be required to submit a variety of their own graphic materials produced: magazines, brochures, white papers, etc., presentations created in PowerPoint and other current presentation software, links to websites/social media sites created and/or maintained, samples of videos and photographs taken, and writing/editing samples such as press releases and published articles.**

Summary

Position supports the functions of the Development & Public Relations Office to increase awareness and visibility to promote the New Mexico School for the Deaf's programs and statewide services through duties which include, but are not limited to: marketing; media relations; website and social media postings and maintenance. Additionally, this position requires a variety of development efforts interfacing face-to-face, by phone and e-mail with community stakeholders including media outlets, civic groups, donors, legislators, VIPS, business owners, vendors, agencies (Commission for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, COPD, HLAA etc.), parents, alumni, and retirees. It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and receptive manner, while helping to advance the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf. Duties and competencies listed are comprehensive yet not all inclusive of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Develop and implement pro-active public relations strategies in order to keep the community informed about NMSD's Vision/Mission and its accomplishments
• Promote the school's positive accomplishments in the public eye by maintaining relationships with various media personnel by preparing press releases, creating press kits, setting up interviews w/ local press & news media personnel, arranges program coverage
• Write copy for school marketing initiatives (i.e. press releases, school information & promotional materials)
• Proof read and edit printed materials
• Assist with the tracking of the New Mexico Progress Magazine's editing/translation/design process
• Manage and maintain ongoing website content as well as conduct ongoing analysis of website performance
• Manage and maintain ongoing Social Media content (Facebook & Twitter)
• Create and edit images, custom graphics/art, and videos for various school and marketing initiatives
• Photograph events, construction projects and takes staff portraits when needed
• Maintain photo files and tracking of archived event photo contact sheets & CDs
• Assist with the planning and implementation of special school-community events (e.g. conferences, retiree celebration, donor events, etc.)
• Draft and send out correspondence to Stakeholders at appropriate times (e.g. birthdays, thank you notes/letters, congratulations, get well, sympathy messages, etc.)
• Assist with the scheduling of the Superintendent's Speaker's Bureau
• Assist with the organization of annual direct mail campaign (i.e.: Fall Appeal)
• Provide support for other fundraising efforts
• Process and track monetary and in-kind donations
• Maintain individual donor files, databases and donor honor roll
• Prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence to donors
• Assist with donor cultivation efforts
• Track and maintain Partner In Education/PNM/LANL Teacher Grant requirements
• Maintain daily office organization, answering phone, office equipment maintenance; physical space maintenance; files; supplies; camera equipment; and public relations materials and merchandise

Competencies

• Possess a high level of computer skills, especially proficiency in:
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote and Outlook)
• Adobe Creative Suites (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign)
• iMovie, Media Encoder, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Presentation Building Software (PowerPoint and other alternative/current apps)
• Knowledge of Dreamweaver, HTML & CSS a plus
• Ability and high level of skill in working with Mac and PC platforms

• Ability to work independently and effectively within the collaborative nature of a teamwork environment
• Ability to deal effectively and pleasantly with the school, corporate, professional and public communities
• Excellent interpersonal skills on telephone and in person
• High degree of attention to detail in a high-production office
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Possession of excellent planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and meet deadlines and goals
• Possession of professional writing, proof-reading and editing skills
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• High respect for confidential nature of all work

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, web, graphics, fundraising, and office administration, from a four-year College or University; or related degree(s) required. Three to five years experience in or related field preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.

Sign Language

The applicant must have fluency in American Sign Language or a willingness to acquire this fluency. Applicant will be required to demonstrate progressive sign language acquisition and, if needed, participate in sign language classes offered at NMSD. Conversational Spanish skills are helpful in this position but are not required.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to think independently, problem solve and work with the whole team.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote and Outlook); Adobe Creative Suites (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign); iMovie, Media Encoder, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. Knowledge of Dreamweaver, HTML & CSS a plus. Must be comfortable working with Mac and PC platforms.

Physical Demand The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee must be able to answer the phone and respond to callers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.