Director of Communications

Primary Purpose:

Promote positive public relations between the school district and community. Prepare and provide information to the public about the activities, goals, and policies of the school district. Distribute pertinent information about the district and its activities to employees.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

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

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district

• Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing

Experience:

Journalism or communications experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Public and Community Relations

1. Serve as the district Public Information Officer (PIO)—the designated official responsible for managing media relations, crisis communications, and public messaging for a school district or school district police department, as well as complying with, managing/facilitating, and archiving all district public information requests (PIR).

2. Serve as the information liaison between the school district and the community. Serve as district spokesperson and coordinate media coverage including preparing press releases and publishing articles and photos in local media and other publications.

3. Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.

4. Design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, film and digital, and other publications.

5. Serve as district representative on community committees as required. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs including speaking at civic organization meetings and make presentations.

Policies, Reports, and Law

6. Develop and publicize reports related to the performance of the district and articulate district goals and objectives.

7. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.

8. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.

9. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget

10. Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; camera; video camera

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 and statewide travel

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