Director of Communications

Director of Communications

This individual will establish, coordinate, and maintain an approved communication plan for the district to support and enhance the district's internal and external communication.

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises and coordinates the preparation of school district print and digital publications, ensuring quality and effective messaging.
• Serves as a consultant in the preparation and production of informational and promotional materials prepared by school personnel.
• Produces weekly Staff Insider and parent/community eNEWS email newsletters.
• Serves as the district webmaster and mobile app manager.
• Manages district level social media through creating strategic and positive content, and monitoring page activity. Serves as the district's social media coordinator, overseeing school-level social media and assisting as-needed.
• Coordinates District use of schoolwide communication system (mass phone calls, text messaging, emails)
• Serves as liaison between the district and the news media; produces and distributes news releases including print and audio/visual materials; and organizes interviews for the purpose of ensuring accurate information is disseminated.
• Advises the Board of Education, staff, and administration when delivering messages to the media for the purpose of promoting a positive image of the District during times of crisis.
• Facilitates the training of staff for the purpose of teaching them community relations and how to interact with the media.
• Responds to emergency situations both during and after normal working hours for the purpose of receiving and conveying information needed for effective decision making.
• Responds to issues involving staff, parental or patron concerns that may result in some negative impact if not appropriately addressed, for the purpose of identifying the relevant issues and recommending or implementing a plan of action that will help efficiently resolve the issue.
• Plans and designs communication strategies to inform the public about specific campaigns, situations, initiatives, etc.
• Serves as a source of information about the schools to individuals and groups from the community.
• Assists in customer services efforts, including training, with staff.
• Serves as the district safety communications coordinator and oversees and manages the district's crisis communication management plan in collaboration with the district safety director.
• Oversees district brand and logo licensing agreements and trademarks.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintains a positive and consistent district brand through messaging, logos, colors, etc.
• Is accountable for communication audit and analysis on a regular basis.
• Assists in the planning and coordination of a variety of special activities such as staff recognition programs, back-to-school and end-of-year meetings, retiree luncheons, etc.
• Leads communication and marketing efforts related to bond and levy issue campaigns to ensure the community receives accurate information.
• Develops long and short range goals and plans in relation to assigned responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring organizational objectives are achieved.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, committees, trainings and seminars for the purpose of conveying and or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Serves as a resource for middle level and high school media programs.
• Attends all School Board and administrator meetings. Responsible for Board Meeting Highlights following school board meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher preferred in a job related field. Communications or public relations experience preferred. Such alternatives to the above that the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None required, however, candidates with communications or public relations training or educational administrative certificates may be given preference.

Skills and Abilities

The director must be organized, honest, collaborative, educationally grounded, and have excellent leadership skills.

This individual must be able to present information to staff members, other administrators, and the school board. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with students and staff, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to compute ratios, percentages, and create and interpret graphs and figures.

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Basic computer word processing, spreadsheet, and research skills. Web Page design experience. Design experience using programs such as Canva. Photo and video skills preferred.

Good communication skills are essential.

Physical Demands

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 essential functions.

The director must frequently move in and around building and grounds to visit classrooms, and attend meetings. Also, requires the ability to sit for an hour or more at a time.

Must be able to hear conversation in a noisy environment.

Speaking frequently with all staff, students, parents, district administrators, and members of the community. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and confidently as a representative of the school district.

Ability to see close work such as typed or handwritten material. Frequent computer use required.

Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.

Attendance is an essential function of the job. The individual may occasionally be asked to work irregular or extended hours. This position will require occasional travel among district buildings and the community.

The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment.

Terms of Employment

12 months. Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board Policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.