DIRECTOR OF MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Department or Location: Public Relations Departmen

Job Title: Director of Media & Public Relations

Reports To: Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Administrative Service

Position Type: Classified / Non-Contracted

FLSA Status: Exempt

Days Worked: 235 Days (12 months)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A master's Degree preferred or equivalent experience and professional development in communications, marketing, public policy administration, or related field.

Certification or Licensure: None is required.

Skills: Knowledge of current public educational trends, issues, and research. Understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to communications and community outreach programs. Ability to transfer marketing and communications theory, principles, and strategies into practice. Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school-based staff, students, parents, and community. Critical thinking skills, excellent oral and written communication, and human relation skills. Working knowledge of computer software, hardware, and related technology to perform the job.

Work Experience: At least five years of accomplished strategic communications experience of increasing scope required, preferably with some experience with a large, complex corporate or industrial organization. Experience in leading and managing a team of communications professionals and functioning successfully as a communications strategist.

PRIMARY DUTY:

This position is responsible for serving as the principal advisor in planning, developing, and implementing strategic communication activities for the school system; coordinating effective media, community and public relations, crisis communications, branding, publications, recognition, media relations, marketing, social media and website programs and related activities; implementing and maintaining services within established guidelines and standards; and supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops, recommends, and implements overall organizational communications and communication strategies for programs, initiatives, services, and events of the school system.

2. Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g., staff, public agencies, etc.) to analyze issues, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components.

3. Coordinates a variety of activities (e.g., program components, information gathering, marketing activities, video/multi-media productions).

4. Develop communications programs with the public, staff, and media to ensure services are provided within established timeframes in compliance with all related requirements.

5. Establishes positive working relationships with members of print, radio, and television media to ensure information is prompt and accurate.

6. Assists in developing partnerships with corporations and community partners for programs and events.

7. Advises school district personnel on communication strategies and assists with the development and release of information.

8. Identifies effective methods of communication for each stakeholder group to ensure stated outcomes are achieved and services are efficiently provided within RCSS guidelines.

9. Participates in meetings and professional learning activities to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.

10. Prepares a wide variety of often complex materials to document activities and issues, meet compliance requirements, provide references, make presentations, and/or provide supporting materials for requested actions.

11. Presents information on a variety of topics (e.g., effective communications, media relations, etc.) to provide information to the appropriate stakeholders.

12. Maintain sensitive and confidential communications.

13. Builds and maintains public support for public education and the school system in collaboration with the Superintendent and Superintendent's Cabinet.

14. The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such an employee's supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law board policy administrative regulation, department handbook, as are necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must attend all School Board meetings, presentations, ceremonies, and school programs resulting in overtime and night work required along with extended access to cell phones, email, and other communication.