Chief Communications Strategist & Brand Leader

Reports To Superintendent of Schools Work Year Days 226 Salary Base Salary - $165,000/Annually. Actual salary will be calculated based on experience and credentials. Primary Purpose Provide executive leadership for the District’s communications strategy, brand, and stakeholder engagement. Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, guiding communication strategy, crisis communication, managing public perception, and strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support student success and organizational effectiveness. Qualifications Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field. Master’s degree or APR preferred. Special Knowledge/Skills: Expertise in strategic communications, public relations, branding, and stakeholder engagement. Executive presence with the ability to advise and influence senior leadership, including the Superintendent and Board. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including speechwriting and messaging development. Strong knowledge of media relations, crisis communications, and issues management. Ability to anticipate and respond to public, political, and community perceptions. Experience using data, analytics, and KPIs to inform communication strategies. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and cross-functional initiatives. Knowledge of digital communications, social media strategy, and emerging technologies. Ability to build and maintain relationships with media, community, and governmental stakeholders. Knowledge of applicable laws, including the Texas Public Information Act and FERPA. Ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with sound judgment and discretion. Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive communication practices. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or media relations. Experience in K–12 education, public sector, or governmental communications preferred. Demonstrated leadership experience managing communications teams and large-scale communication initiatives. Major Responsibilities and Duties Strategic Communications and Brand Leadership Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Districtwide communications and community engagement strategy aligned with the District’s strategic plan and promote and position the District as a leader. Support district goals related to student enrollment, staff recruitment, and retention. Identify opportunities for positive media coverage, partnerships, and speaking engagements. Conduct perception audits and climate assessments to monitor district reputation. Ensure alignment of all campus and department communications with district messaging, brand standards, and priorities. Monitor emerging communication trends and implement innovative strategies. Oversee branding, marketing, advertising, and audience engagement strategies. Identify target audiences and tailor messaging across multiple platforms and channels. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and inform continuous improvement. Lead long-range communications planning and proactive storytelling to strengthen district reputation. Executive Communications and Superintendent Support Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s executive leadership team (cabinet). Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent and executive leadership on communication strategy, messaging, and public positioning. Draft, review, and coordinate high-level communications including speeches, presentations, talking points, and correspondence for the Superintendent and Board of Trustees. Support the Superintendent in crisis communication, media engagement, and stakeholder messaging. Anticipate public, political, and community reactions to district decisions and advise leadership accordingly. Lead stakeholder messaging strategy for major district initiatives, policy changes, and organizational shifts. Coordinate cross‑functional communication efforts during district transformation initiatives. Provide communication coaching to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and senior leaders. Coordinate communication planning for Board meetings, major initiatives, and District announcements. Ensure consistent executive-level messaging across all internal and external communications. Public Relations, Media Relations, and Community Engagement Serve as the District’s official spokesperson and manage all media relations. Build and maintain strong relationships with media, community organizations, and business partners. Plan and oversee district events, press conferences, and community engagement initiatives. Promote positive relationships between the district and community through strategic outreach. Respond to media inquiries, public information requests, and community concerns. Support communication efforts related to bond elections and major district initiatives. Crisis Communications and Issues Management Lead crisis communication planning, training, and response efforts for the District. Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks. Provide real‑time communication support during emergencies and high‑profile situations. Train district and campus leaders on crisis communication best practices. Manage sensitive issues with discretion, accuracy, and timeliness. Digital Communications, Media Production, and Information Systems Oversee all digital communication platforms, including website, social media, and mass communication systems. Direct content creation including print, video, photography, and multimedia storytelling. Maintain a comprehensive archive of District media assets. Ensure effective use of communication technologies and platforms to reach diverse audiences. Monitor digital analytics to improve communication effectiveness. Organizational Leadership, Operations, and Compliance Provide leadership and oversight of the Communications Department, including Print Shop and Web Services. Monitor legislative developments and coordinate communication related to state and local policy changes. Support advocacy efforts by aligning messaging with District priorities and community interests. Assist leadership and support communication with elected officials and governmental agencies. Oversee the identification, hiring, and management of external vendors. Develop and manage departmental budget and resources effectively. Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff; provide professional development and performance management. Ensure compliance with applicable laws including Government Code, Election Code, the Texas Public Information Act, and FERPA. Develop and publish required reports and maintain records. Collaborate with internal departments and partner organizations such as the Frisco Education Foundation. Other Duties as Assigned Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District. Work Relationships Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well‑being of all. Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve. Working Conditions Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively; ability to maintain emotional control under pressure; ability to work with frequent interruptions; districtwide and occasional statewide travel; prolonged and irregular hours. Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent districtwide and statewide travel. Disclosure Statements The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services. #J-18808-Ljbffr Frisco ISD