#100034

Director of Communications, Public Relations & Safety

Job Description
Position Title: Director of Communications, Public Relations & Safety
Department: Instructional Support Services
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services
Work Schedule: 12-Month Employee
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Grade: Director I ($80,000 - $90,000)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• North Carolina Administrator License or the ability to obtain one preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school administration, public safety, communications, or a closely related field.
• Experience with emergency management, school safety planning, and public communications preferred.
• Experience writing and administering grants preferred.

SUMMARY

The Director of Communications, Public Relations & Safety provides districtwide leadership in developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating comprehensive programs related to school safety, emergency preparedness, public information, and community engagement. The Director works collaboratively with district leaders, principals, School Resource Officers, emergency response agencies, and community partners to ensure safe learning environments and effective communication with stakeholders.

The Director serves as the district spokesperson as designated by the Superintendent and oversees communication strategies that promote the mission, vision, accomplishments, and priorities of Rockingham County Schools.

Reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of school safety laws, emergency management practices, and crisis response procedures.
• Knowledge of mental and behavioral health supports, threat assessment protocols, and suicide prevention practices.
• Knowledge of public information laws and media relations.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Experience utilizing social media, website management, and digital communication platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Administration

• Provides leadership for districtwide safety, communications and public relations..
• Develops strategic goals aligned with the district's mission and strategic plan.
• Collaborates with school administrators and department leaders to ensure coordinated implementation of district initiatives.
• Identifies and pursues grant opportunities supporting safety, communications, and other academic priorities.
• Develops policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines supporting assigned departments.
• Supervises assigned personnel and evaluates performance.

Communications and Public Relations

• Serves as the primary communications liaison between Rockingham County Schools and the public.
• Coordinates districtwide communication strategies.
• Develops and distributes news releases, publications, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Coordinates media relations and serves as district spokesperson as designated.
• Oversees district website content and social media platforms.
• Develops communication plans during emergency situations and crisis events.
• Coordinates internal communication with employees and external communication with families and community stakeholders.
• Supports public engagement efforts that promote transparency and trust.
• Coordinates production of district publications, annual reports, calendars, and informational materials.
• Speaks before civic organizations, community groups, and governmental agencies on behalf of the district.

Community Engagement

• Develops partnerships with businesses, community organizations, higher education institutions, and governmental agencies.
• Represents the district on local and regional committees.
• Promotes positive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
• Coordinates district recognition events and community outreach initiatives.

School Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Develops, implements, and monitors the district Comprehensive School Safety Plan.
• Coordinates emergency preparedness planning, drills, and crisis response protocols.
• Oversees annual review of school emergency operation plans.
• Coordinates the District Safety Summit and other required safety training.
• Works closely with School Resource Officers, emergency responders, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management personnel, and community agencies.
• Oversees implementation of the Center for Safer Schools grant initiatives.
• Coordinates district safety audits and facility security assessments.
• Supports schools in responding to safety incidents and emergency situations.
• Oversees district implementation of threat assessment and suicide risk assessment procedures.
• Supports Social Emotional and Behavioral (SEB) Teams and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiatives related to school safety.
• Oversees district implementation of anonymous reporting systems and safety monitoring platforms including Gaggle and Say Something.
• Coordinates district crisis response following significant incidents.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this job.