Oxford Community Schools? new communications coordinator has a very familiar face.
Jenny Matteson will be keeping everyone from the community to the media in the know when it comes to school district news and happenings.
Matteson replaces former communications coordinator, Linda Lewis, who resigned from the position last spring.
Her job duties, which come with a $50,000 salary plus benefits, will include: planning, organizing, and directing overall district communication; publishing the Wildcat Review; overseeing district marketing; overseeing the district’s digital communication including the website and social media; assisting with district presentations; district contact for media outlets; district liaison for community organizations.
While working as an administrative assistant at Oxford High School this past summer, Matteson was approached by Principal Todd Dunckley about assisting with some of the communications coordinator work on the district website. While doing that work, she was approached by Superintendent Dr. William Skilling and Dunckley about the position.
‘They knew I had a journalism background and wanted to speak with me about my qualifications and if I would be interested in applying for the position. I said I would be interested, and they let me know that the position was being posted on the Oakland County Consortium,? she said. ‘I submitted my application and was selected to be Interim Communications Coordinator ? a great opportunity to show them my abilities outside of the interview room. I was officially hired on Friday, September 6 with an official start date of Monday, September 9.?
Prior to joining the school district in 2008 as an administrative assistant, Matteson started her career with The Gratiot County Herald, part of MacDonald Publications, before joining Sherman Publications in 2002, where she worked as a reporter for the Oxford Leader and as editor of the Clarkston News.
Having experience in writing, photography and layout are skills, she said, that will help her in her new job duties.
‘In addition, I have a unique perspective having started my career in the newspaper industry instead of the public relations field. I understand how a journalist thinks,? Matteson added. ‘I also understand the power advertising can have on an organization’s image and bottom line. I believe my time as an administrative assistant has strengthened my customer service skills and broadened my communication ability beyond simply writing a story.?
Matteson said she is ‘excited? about her new position.
‘I look forward to promoting all the innovative directions our district is taking as we continue to move forward in creating a world-class education for our students,? she said. ‘This is a great opportunity for me, and I am so appreciative of the possibilities ahead.?