Director of Communications

Director of CommunicationsThe Director of Communications will collaborate closely with the Superintendent to develop and implement an innovative, multifaceted communications and marketing strategy that actively engages and informs the Glenbard Schools community. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to creatively shape district messaging, leverage diverse communication platforms, and enhance community connections through compelling storytelling. The ideal candidate will thrive in a creative environment, fostering positive relationships, driving brand consistency, and elevating district visibility through strategic outreach and impactful communication initiatives. The Director will supervise the Communication Specialist.Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree (Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or related field). Extensive knowledge of Social Media Platforms, HTML/CSS, and Web Technologies. Demonstrated experience with writing effective AI Prompts. Superior Writing Skills (Both Creative and Technical) including knowledge of AP writing style. Demonstrated Experience with digital media, including still photography, videography, and graphic design using Photoshop and Illustrator. Demonstrated ability to be a creative goal-oriented, self-directed, collaborative and strategic thinker with the ability to identify and publicize interesting and meaningful stories. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering positive and productive connections within and beyond the school community. Experience creating engaging marketing materials to promote organizational priorities. Demonstrated willingness to learn new duties, information, technology, and skills. Demonstrated ability to create compelling media content that resonates emotionally and fosters meaningful connections with diverse audiences. Experience collaborating directly with executive leadership to craft and execute comprehensive communication strategies. Ability to navigate sensitive topics thoughtfully, transparently, and diplomatically. Working knowledge of best practices in K-12 education. Demonstrated integrity and honesty.Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Not all Inclusive): Direct all communications District-wide. Serve as the key communicator and oversee all District News, press releases, inquiries, etc. Supervise all efforts to build, strengthen, and maintain positive partnerships with external and internal audiences. Represent Glenbard as the liaison with internal and external constituents Responsible for the scheduling, design, production, and distribution of District communications including community reports, multimedia stories, brochures, report cards, and other items as needed. Stage and develop a response process to effectively communicate news and information for all media sources. Actively monitor and integrate all forms of social media to support and promote news, activities, achievements, and priorities. Recommend new forms of emerging social media and communication technologies. Solicit news and information in order to generate newsworthy stories and then draft/write online copy for articles, websites, and social media. Act as the key point of contact for social media queries, engaging with students, staff, and community members, and proactively promoting information about the school district. Utilize media analytics and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform continuous improvement in communication strategies. Photograph and/or video events in the district for use on social media and the district websites. Create and implement communication initiatives that include generating publicity through a wide-range of media platforms and outlets. Actively network with other job-alikes in the region and nation. Oversees District FOIA process. Responsible for all Crisis Communication strategy and implementation. Member of the Communications, Legislation, and Partnerships Board Committee. Collaborate with the Superintendent, Cabinet, and building administration to create, plan, and implement a comprehensive plan to recognize staff, students, and district accomplishments. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and best-practices regarding the disclosure of public information and the protection of confidential information. Oversee all Glenbard communication modes, including but not limited to, social media, websites, print publications, and digital media production. In collaboration with the Superintendent host, produce, and promote digital media opportunities such as webinars, podcasts, and other multi-media formats. Working directly with the Board of Education in communication areas and attending board meetings (running multimedia presentations and Zoom). Creating board highlights and board bar items. Other duties as assigned.Knowledge and Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as correspondence, surveys and electronic media. Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities. Ability to make sound decisions and prioritize time in challenging and time-sensitive environments. Ability to write professional communications. Ability to present information effectively and to respond to questions from individuals and groups. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community members. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in written form. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to maintain current job skills as directed, especially in technology-related activities. Ability to perform essential duties with an awareness of school district requirements and School Board policies.Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here represent 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 regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, operate duplicating machines and computer equipment; reach with hands and arms; and will frequently repeat actions with the same hand, arm, or finger motion such as when typing. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of video display terminals (VDT) is required. The employee may occasionally lift up to 30 pounds such as reference books. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The pace of work tasks would be considered as fast. Work is usually conducted at one job site, however, on occasion; this employee will be required to attend meetings, conferences, or workshops and events at other sites as assigned.