Department: Communications
Reports To: Superintendent
Supervises: Classified Support Staff
Classification: Classified - Exempt
Salary Range: $104,047.79 (step 1/year 1) - $117,106.70 (step 5/year 5) SUMMARY: This position directs, plans and coordinates the ESD’s communication and marketing efforts, ensuring effective two-way communication between the ESD, its staff and constituents. The Director of Communications serves in an advisory capacity to the ESD superintendent, program directors, and school district superintendents and administrators to ensure sound public relations practices and effective communications and marketing strategies. The position serves as Public Information Officer for both the ESD and school districts (as designated). Leading the ESD Communications team, the director is charged with the responsibility to raise the ESD’s visibility, advance its brand name, and articulate clear messaging to internal and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops marketing and communication goals and strategies that advance the ESD’s messaging and drive increased engagement with prospective and current constituencies
• Assists and supports ESD departments and programs and designated school districts with communication and public relations strategies
• Ensures brand and messaging quality and consistency and establishes guidelines to apply across all departments, activities, and events within the ESD
• Creates and executes comprehensive communication plans
• Collaborates with programs and administrators to anticipate needs and potential barriers, providing consultation, support, and strategy
• Researches, writes, prepares, edits, and/or reviews communication documents and materials for interacting with employees, media, and varied audiences pertinent to news and issues management; and oversees publications.
• Serves as ESD spokesperson as designated by the Superintendent
• Leads communication efforts for ESD and district crisis response by developing and deploying messaging, ensuring accurate and timely public response, and interfacing with the media
• Plans and coordinate special events including, but not limited to Regional Art Shows and Crystal Apple.
• Design and coordinate the development and production of communication materials, including, but not limited to press releases, proposals, presentation materials, information brochures, social media graphics, newsletters, internal and external correspondence, reports, speeches, policies, procedures, solicitation, and marketing materials
• Manages and maintains the ESD and designated school district websites and social media platforms, developing accurate and relevant content and responding to account comments and concerns
• Maintains digital photo and template library for staff use
• Manages departmental budgets and ensures that communication programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently
• Perform all supervisory personnel functions for ESD 123 staff (e.g., making recommendations to hire, supervising, screening, interviewing, training, evaluating, providing in-service opportunities/professional development etc.)
• Assists with large-scale agency events and award programs, including photography and video of ESD and district events as needed for use in publications and marketing collateral
• Partners with Washington’s ESDs to enhance the presence of the statewide communications network
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all applicable board policies and procedures

Supervisory:

• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible, and serves as brand ambassador for ESD staff
• Participates in ESD new hire orientations to familiarize employees with the ESD’s communication and branding expectations
• Articulates the ESD’s mission and goals in the area of communications and marketing
• Participates in state and national public relations associations and professional development to remain current in best practices related to school communications, emerging social media, and effective marketing and advertising strategies
• Performs related duties as assigned*

• Bachelors degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience directing agency communication and marketing
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated exceptional skills in writing, editing, and design
• Thorough knowledge of media operations and public relations functions
• Possesses strong project management skills, and the ability to prioritize, oversee, and coordinate multiple projects and events
• Knowledgeable of current trends in media relations and marketing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Skilled in graphic design programs, such as Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite, with proficiency in InDesign and Photoshop
• Experience with website editing and content management systems
• Experience and/or training in digital photography and videography
• Demonstrated experience and application of Section 508 compliance
• Understanding of website content management and design, social media, CRM software and electronic newsletters

WSP/ FBI background clearance required.

• Work calmly and effectively under pressure and constant deadlines
• Develop and produce creative, persuasive, and effective written and multi-media communications
• Create engaging content and imagery in order to explain dense and complex ideas
• Effectively manage program budgets and resources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Organized with attention to detail
• Superior ability to write in a journalistic style that is customary for corporate and external publications
• Ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership.
• Excellent managerial and organizational abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with corporate management, employees, media, and the larger community
• Ability to coordinate efforts of various teams in order to present a coherent message.
• Exercise independent judgment

POSITION BENEFITS:

• Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance; WA DRS SERS retirement plan; medical reimbursement account; life and long-term disability insurance; etc.).
• Access to the agency's wellness and employee assistance program
• 12 days paid sick leave per year (accrued monthly).
• 15 paid vacation days per year (accrued monthly).
• 13 paid holidays per year. 

TRAITS THAT YOU MUST POSSESS:

• Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
• Flexible and can thrive in a fast paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
• Possess confidence while being humble – lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• Hungry – always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
• Smart – have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.

THESE STATEMENTS MUST RESONATE WITH YOU:
“Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I’ll figure it out.”
“I am not sure, but I will find out for you.”
“I have not done that before, but I can do it.”
“I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach.”

ABOUT OUR TEAM AND AGENCY

Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook, and always looking for ways to say, “Yes, and…” Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making his or her teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission. 

Job Summary