Job Title:            Director of Communications                                 Exemption Status: Chapter 21

Reports to:         Superintendent                                                    Part Time - 113 Days                                            

Dept./School:    Administration

(Part-time)
Primary Purpose:

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive communications program that promotes positive public relations between the district and the community. This position oversees all internal and external communications, including media relations, social media, branding, and digital presence, while ensuring alignment with district goals and priorities. The Director serves as a key advisor to district leadership and ensures consistent, transparent, and effective communication across all campuses and departments

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree or certifications in English, journalism, communications, or related field.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong public relations and media relations expertise
• Knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and analytics
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to present effectively to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of branding, marketing, and digital communications
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Experience:

5 years teaching, journalism, or communications experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Primary Roles

1. Strategic Communication Leadership

• Develop and implement a district-wide communications plan
• Align messaging with district goals (academics, athletics, safety, culture) (Weekly newsletter from district sent Sunday evening and from Principals of each campus.)
• Serve as a key advisor to the superintendent and leadership team
• Ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging across all campuses
• Assist Athletics in social media launch

1. Social Media Management

• Manage all official district platforms
• Create engaging, positive content highlighting:
• Student achievements
• Staff recognition
• Programs and events
• Monitor comments and messages
• Establish guidelines for campus-level social media use and platforms

1. Public Relations & Media Relations

• Act as the official spokesperson when needed
• Build relationships with local media outlets
• Write and distribute:
• Press releases
• Media advisories
• Public statements
• Coordinate interviews and media coverage

1. Content Creation & Design

• Write, edit, and produce:
• Newsletters
• Social media posts
• Speeches and talking points
• Use tools like Canva, Adobe, or video editing software
• Capture photos/video at events (often evenings/weekends)
• Promote Student of the week at each campus  & Bulldog of the Month (Employees)posted on social media and shared with local news outlets (KJAS, ETX Banner)
• In addition to Campus regular post from Campus Parent Liaisons, create 5 post per campus/per week celebrating student outcomes, and staff achievements
• 2 monthly news articles written and shared with local media outlets

1. Internal Communication (build a consistent system and process)

• Assist Principals in keeping staff and parents informed through:
• Weekly staff updates (Sway etc.)
• Leadership briefings weekly campus reports
• Help principals communicate effectively with parents and staff
• Support HR with recruitment messaging and employee engagement

1. Branding & Storytelling

• Promote a strong, unified district identity
• Highlight success stories through:
• Videos
• Graphics
• Features on students and staff
• Maintain brand standards (logos, colors, messaging)

1. Community Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with:
• Parents
• Community members
• Local businesses and organizations
• Promote events and initiatives
• Help manage community perception and trust
• Ambassadors group

1. Content Creation & Design

• Write, edit, and produce:
• Newsletters
• Social media posts
• Speeches and talking points
• Use tools like Canva, Adobe, or video editing software and AI
• Capture photos/video at events (often evenings/weekends)
•  

Secondary roles

1. Assist Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and principals when needed

. Crisis Communication

• Develop a crisis communication plan
• Provide rapid, accurate communication during:
• Safety incidents
• Weather closures
• Sensitive student/staff situations
• Work closely with law enforcement and administration
• Ensure messaging is timely, transparent, and legally appropriate

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Assist Technology department when needed

Website & Digital Presence

• Monitor the district website for:
• Accuracy
• Accessibility (important for compliance)
• Timeliness
• Ensure campuses maintain updated pages

1. Assist Central office and DOI Staff when needed

Compliance & Policy Awareness

• Ensure communication follows:
• FERPA (student privacy)
• Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines
• Board policies
• Support public information requests when needed

1. Follow Analytics

Analytics & Improvement

• Track engagement and performance metrics
• Adjust strategy based on what works
• Report communication effectiveness to leadership

What Makes Someone Effective in This Role

• Strong writing and storytelling skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure (especially in crises)
• High level of professionalism and discretion
• Understanding of school culture including academics, extra-curricular activities, and community pride)
• Availability beyond normal hours, (after hours posting of messages etc.)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise campus liaisons, and campus posts and communications as well as other district groups communications such as athletics, and band.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; camera; video camera, social media, AI and various software to create content.

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Salary : $325 - $453