What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Communications Officer position at Alabama State Department of Education?
Alabaster City Schools
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Chief Communications Officer
REPORTS TO : Superintendent
JOB GOAL :
To foster a climate of community support and transparency by effectively communicating the district’s mission, achievements, and resources, thereby enhancing that public perception and engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree or above.
- A degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Education, Communication or closely related field strongly preferred.
- Accredited in Public Relations (APR) candidates preferred.
- A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of increasingly responsible public relations experience in education, public sector and/or private sector preferred.
- Supervisory experience required.
- Competence in oral and written communications.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serves as information liaison between the school system and the community.
- Develops and implements a dynamic and flexible communication plan for the district, including broadcast, website, social media integration and crisis communications.
- Develops innovative communication and marketing strategies to promote the goals and initiatives of the Alabaster City Schools to internal and external constituencies.
- Trains and assists school personnel in media relations and other forms of internal and external communication. Serve as an active and readily accessible resource for school personnel in all areas of communication.
- Provides training among personnel on FERPA, Alabama Open Meetings Act and Alabama Open Records Act as it relates to the dissemination of information to the media and the public-at-large as to balance the right-to-know and sensitive data.
- Responds to Alabama Open Records Act requests in a timely fashion.
- Trains and assists schools in developing school-based strategic communications plans based on continuous improvement goals.
- Oversees district’s branding efforts and ensures implementation to fidelity.
- Develops and produces innovative written and electronic communication (brochures, print and email newsletters, video productions, web content and related components) for internal and external audiences.
- Serves as the spokesperson for the Alabaster City Schools as needed.
- Prepares news releases, reports, speeches and advertising materials.
- Reviews all advertising and public messages prior to release.
- Attends appropriate committee and Board meetings, follow up with awards, presentations, communications, etc. for school district recognition activities.
- Disseminates appropriate information for school district personnel and families through bulletins, newspapers, electronic communication, rapid notification systems and other means.
- Plans and executes professional development activities for school personnel relating to communication and media relations.
- Plans and executes special events on behalf of the Alabaster City Schools for the purpose of ensuring the programs are run according to district expectations and guidelines as directed.
- Speaks to civic groups and other audiences as needed; coordinates speakers’ bureau on issues related to the Alabaster City Schools.
- Maintains and updates database of community organizations/contacts; mailing lists of citizens and support groups and others for use in disseminating messages about Alabaster City Schools and related issues.
- Supervises and coordinates the Video and Media Specialist.
- Serves as program director and primary liaison for the system's broadcast operations and coordinates student “live work opportunities” with teachers.
- Supervises and coordinates the Digital Communication Specialist.
- Oversees personnel for digital communication team, including school-based web leaders and social media teams.
- Liaises with district coordinator of athletics in providing communications assistance to athletic programs.
- Visits schools and work sites.
- Attends community events and Board of Education meetings.
- Adheres to federal, state, local and board rules and regulations.
- Assumes other reasonable and equitable job-related duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 Months (240 days)
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy.
SALARY: Appropriate placement on current salary schedule.