Communications Coordinator/Editor

SUMMARY

Assist Tribal programs with their communication needs. Compile, layout, print and distribute the monthly GTB News Publication. Work with all tribal governmental offices and tribal members to collect news items, photographs, reports and artwork. Prepare and edit written and visual materials needed for publication printing. Produce accurate and impartial news, and maintain a favorable public image for the tribe. Complete all required administrative program forms and reports on the Communications Program, including requests for budget modifications, quarterly and year-end reports, plus submitting budget request for next year's budget.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Associates Degree in Communications or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in all phases of producing and distributing publications.
• Must pass handwritten test.
• Must complete Program Director's Training within one year of hire at the first available class offered.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for generating the monthly GTB Newsletter within the timeframe outlined by the publisher.
• Perform all duties associated with Program Director responsibilities.
• Maintain program budget book, track monthly expenditures, generate purchase requisitions needed by the program to operate efficiently, making necessary line-item adjustments where needed.
• Compile, layout, print and distribute other publications as requested by programs and administrative offices, as time allows (i.e. print jobs, business cards, notepads, etc.).
• Deliver finished products to programs and offices and collect reimbursement.
• Sell advertising to help defray the costs of publishing the monthly news publication.
• To be in compliance with all funding agencies and GTB policies and procedures.
• Attend GTB government meetings, GTB events and programs.
• Responsible for collecting news, information, photographs, and artwork from GTB programs and members.
• Responsible for verifying facts, dates, and statistics, when necessary.
• Be prepared to take photographs, as events require.
• Prepare written material for publication.
• Format and layout publications as needed and arrange delivery to printer.
• Develop media kit for advertising sales.
• Web page development and maintenance.
• Assist the GTB organization as directed by immediate supervisor including representation on a variety of organizational committees.
• Must establish and maintain good working relationship with directly related departments.
• Oversee and facilitate the recording system of a Public Body and make recordings available on the internet for access and review by the GTB citizens per the "Open Access to Meetings Act" when Multimedia Specialist is unavailable.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have good time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Must have some photography experience.
• Must be able to perform computer page format and layout, photo enhancement, skilled with printing and binding equipment required for reproduction services for tribal programs and departments.
• Must have computer proficiency, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and other Microsoft office products and database applications. Must also have experience using Filmmaker Pro, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat and Dream weaver for web pages and various other office programs.
• Must immediately become familiar with the accounting programs such as New World System and the procedures which are required.
• Must have experience using 35 mm camera and digital video production
• Must be self-motivated, creative and cover many subjects for the newsletter.
• Advertising sales and bulk-mailing experience helpful.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in all phases of producing and distributing publications.
• Advertising sales and bulk-mailing experience helpful.
• Must complete Program Director's Training within one year of hire at the first available class offered.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have valid driver's license and be insurable by GTB's insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision of all Communications staff employees.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Computers, fax machines, telephones, calculators plus the following will be used in performance of the job:

Tools used in the creation of publications: computers and software, basic print and publication print and assembly equipment, cameras video and 35 mm recording equipment.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Minimal travel throughout the six-county service area required.
• Occasionally lifting paper cases, weight of up to 50 lbs. or more.
• Good eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills required (typing ability and small assembly of parts).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The program director will outline the essential operations and duties of the job. However, the employee must demonstrate the ability to work independently on projects to gather and organize information needed by the membership for a variety of publications. A Newsletter protocol acts as the primary guideline plus assistance of the Traditional Culturalist, Department Manager, Tribal Manager, Legal Staff and if necessary the Tribal Council. All progress on projects needs to be communicated to the program director in a manner that will keep the program director aware of information critical to the function of the Communications program. The employee must always represent the Tribe in a professional manner. The work performed must reflect accurate, truthful and concise information and therefore the employee will be held responsible for news, materials, products and Tribal membership communications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must occasionally work evenings and/or weekends as work duties/deadlines demand, position requires travel in six county service areas. Normal office environment.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time through motion with Tribal Council approval. Any qualifications to be considered in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Human Resource Director.

Current Openings for Communications Coordinator/Editor Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians