Chief Communications Officer

POSITION:  Chief Communcations Officer (Non-Union)

LOCATION:  Centennial District Office

HOURS:  8 Hours Per Day (8:00am - 4:30pm)

DAYS:  260 Days Annually (July - June)

SALARY:  $58.18 Per Hour (Step 1)

BENEFITS:  PERS, Medical, Dental, Vision, Optional Insurances, Paid Leaves, Holiday Pay, etc.

START DATE:  Monday, July 1, 2024

OPENING DATE:  Monday, May 6, 2024

FOR STRONGEST CONSIDERATION, APPLY BY:  Monday, May 20, 2024 at 9:00am

JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT/S:  The position of Chief Communications Officer is for the purpose of generating in the community at large a climate of understanding and support of the District’s efforts to provide each student with the best possible education in an increasing complex and sophisticated world.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as information liaison between the total school system and the community at large (community outreach).
• Ability to organize community meetings.
• Set annual objectives for the District’s public information program.
• Serve as liaison officer between the District and the news media and supervise the production and distribution of all news releases; arrange for press conferences as required; and prepare press kits for distribution to reporters covering Board meetings and public hearings. This will include crisis communication planning.
• Coordinate the preparation of all District-level publications, the District’s website and oversee and manage social media.
• Plan and coordinate bond election communications. Coordinate with the Secretary of State’s office for approval of Bond materials.
• Plan and conduct periodic polling (surveys) of public opinion regarding the District and/or current issues of education.
• Maintain open lines of communication with all community organizations and provide prompt responses to requests for public information about the District, its policies, and its programs.
• Maintain an internal communication system so employees are informed and engaged in District and building issues and news.
• Advise the Superintendent, Cabinet and other District Administrators on the probable public relations consequences relating to shifts in existing programs and policies.
• Attend meetings of the Board and prepare such reports for the Board as the Superintendent may request.
• Serve as the District’s spokesperson. Assist the media in obtaining information about the District, its programs and schools and assist the media in interpreting Board actions.
• Prepare, edit, and distribute special publications such as recruitment brochures, orientation brochures for new teachers and staff members, information brochures for the parents of students new to the District, and other publications, as requested.
• Assist the Superintendent in developing District messaging (marketing strategies).
• Assist the Superintendent in developing and publicizing annual reports and budget reports.

 OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Stay abreast of professional practices in the field through participation in the affairs of the National School Public Relations Association and the Oregon School Public Relations Association.
• Supervise the Communications and Community Engagement Specialist.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS – QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience Required: Five years of actual working experience in public relations in education, public service, or industry.
• Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:

Skill to operate office equipment including use of computer applications for the purpose of developing and distributing public information in profession formats and brochures, use of English in both written and verbal form, use of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Knowledge of communication and public information principles, appropriate laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to sit for prolonged periods, work under supervision accurately and with attention to detail, understand and carry out oral and written instruction.  Significant physical abilities include reaching/handling/fingering, talking/hearing conversations, near visual acuity/visual accommodation.

Commitment to racial equity.

Ability to speak a second language.

• Education Required: An earned Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.  Accredited in Public Relations (APR) or Masters Degree preferred.
• Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance (applicant agrees to assume cost upon offer of employment). 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Support Staff Personnel.  Reports directly to the Superintendent.

TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to apply online through TalentEd Hire with the following documents uploaded: 

1. Letter of Interest
2. Current Resume
3. Three (3) Current Letters of Recommendation
4. Unofficial Transcript(s) of undergrad/grad coursework. If employed, the candidate will be required to submit official transcripts in sealed envelopes from the institution(s)

Salary : $58