Director of Communications

Director Of CommunicationsSalary: $105,750-148,050Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, business or related field; masters' degree preferred. Three to five years progressive experience in public relations, marketing, communications, business or related field. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Spanish fluency preferred. Valid Pennsylvania driver's license. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151). Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the school board or superintendent may determine appropriate and acceptable.Summary: The primary function of this position is to plan, coordinate, implement, and assess the activities relating to district wide public information, community relations, customer service, marketing, web page development, video production, and internal and external communications. This position also provides professional and sensitive assistance to the superintendent and senior management staff on matters related to the dissemination of public information, management of issues, media relations, and community relations. In addition, the position further develops and shapes a comprehensive image of the Allentown School District, working closely with all of the district's departments and schools.Essential Duties And Responsibilities:Directs and develops a quality public affairs and communications programEstablishes and maintains working relationships with district administrators, press and news media organizations, business leaders, community groups, city officials, and the general publicCommunicates with all levels of district staff, officials, members of the media, and the general public, both verbally and in writingCollaborates closely with building administration to communicate publicly events and functions occurring in the school settingServe as crisis communicator for the district and coordinates emergency communications for buildings when applicableTrains staff in effective communication strategies and use of approved district platformsServes as main information source for all media contacts requesting data and insightsEstablishes processes to generate appropriate flow of press releasesArranges, facilitates, and manages media briefings with superintendent daily, if appropriateCollaborates with the executive leadership team in the development and/or revision to board policies relating to all areas of communications, including but not limited to print, electronic, and social media communicationConducts research and prepares informational material which will enhance the district's image and public awareness of district operations and activitiesCompiles reports from a wide variety of sources and dataResponds to citizen and media requests in a timely, professional mannerUnderstands and follows district oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructionsMakes sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established proceduresPerforms a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy, meeting time sensitive deadlinesPrepares and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements relating to district communications