Chief of Public Relations

Chief of Public Relations

The Chief of Public Relations serves as the primary spokesperson and communications strategist for the Fowler Elementary School District. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and implementing a comprehensive internal and external communications program that supports the District's strategic goals. The Chief maintains a proactive, transparent, and effective relationship between the Governing Board, Superintendent, media, community partners, and parents. This individual provides executive-level counsel on crisis management, public record compliance, and community engagement to ensure a positive and consistent district image.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education Administration or Communications is required.
• Five years of professional experience in public relations or communications management is preferred.
• Three years of experience in a leadership role within an Arizona public school district or municipality is preferred.
• Valid IVP Level One Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Proficiency in advanced office software (Word, Excel, etc.) and digital communication tools (Social Media management, Content Management Systems, Mass Notification systems).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage high-pressure media inquiries.
• Strong organizational and planning skills for district-wide events and campaigns.
• Able to travel from site to site as required for the position.
• Valid Driver's license and a clean 36-month driving record required.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is highly preferred given the district demographic.
• Knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes regarding Public Records (Title 39) and Open Meeting Laws.
• Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with and implement district policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Prioritize work, take initiative, adhere to time restraints, and attend to multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Work with detail while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in all public-facing content.
• Comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions from the Superintendent.
• Identify sensitive issues and immediately inform the Superintendent of any adverse situation(s) or potential crises.
• Gather data, compose, draft, and edit executive-level written work, including press releases and board reports.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of staff, student, and family records in accordance with FERPA and district policy.
• Relate and respond tactfully and with courtesy to the media, community leaders, and district personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide executive-level communication services and counsel to the Superintendent and Governing Board.
• Establish and support a welcoming school climate and culture through proactive community storytelling and branding.
• Compose and/or oversee the production of district-wide letters, bulletins, handbooks, and digital newsletters.
• Serve as the District's Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, coordinating real-time updates to parents and staff.
• Manage the district's website content and social media presence to ensure timely and accurate information.
• Coordinate and facilitate media coverage of district programs, achievements, and events.
• Oversee the processing and legal compliance of Public Records Requests.
• Function as a liaison between the District and local business partners and community organizations.
• Enter and manage department budgets and initiate purchase order requisitions as requested.
• Participate in district-sponsored professional development and represent the district at state-level PR associations.
• Support and follow the rules, regulations, and policies set by the School Board and District.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the School Governing Board and Superintendent.

Length of Employment: Twelve (12) months

Reports to: Superintendent

Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Governing Board Policy GCO