Chief, Communications

Job Summary

Provides overall leadership and supervision of all strategic communication functions of the district including parent communications, media communications, government relations, community relations, and public information for voters, taxpayers and residents. Pursues the general goal of increasing support for the district as expressed in fundraising and friend raising and information campaigns for Board initiated voluntary tax referendums. Provides leadership and coordination of communication strategies in weather emergencies and other crisis situations. Serves as the Public Information Officer of the District and as chief spokesperson with the media in providing information on educational policies, programs, and administrative operations.

Essential Functions

1. Manages Office of Public Relations & Marketing operations; recruits, selects, orients, trains, coaches, counsels, and disciplines staff. Plans, monitors, appraises, and reviews staff job contributions. Establishes annual communications goals and

strategies for the Division.

2. Provides strong leadership and coaching for direct reports and staff in a variety of public relations functions including funds development through the Duval County Schools Foundation, government relations, parent engagement and communication,

volunteer programs, and other strategic communications.

3. Directs the development of oral and written materials pertaining to the school district and dissemination to newspapers, radio, and television.

4. Oversees development and implementation of communications plans and goals for school and district initiatives.

5. Oversees district brand positioning, logos, print materials, and social media.

6. Assists with preparation of public statements or speeches for Board members, the Superintendent, and other key administrators.

7. Leads the improvement of public relations techniques employed by all district personnel.

8. Advises the Superintendent and staff on the public relations aspects of their work and apprises them of areas where efforts are needed to strengthen and improve understanding and communication.

9. Collaborates with city and community agencies to integrate and promote districtprograms.

10. Advises and counsels principals, department heads on decisions, timelines, etc. that may impact district goals.

11. Partners with the Enrollment Division in the development and implementation public relations campaigns designed to accomplish district brand and reputation goal while supporting enrollment development.

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field, from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven (7) years successful experience required in two (2) or more of the following areas - public relations/affairs, public information, government relations/affairs, marketing, or communications; three (3) years must be in a management capacity.

Certifications & Licenses: NA

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the communication process
• Strong knowledge of public relations and media relations
• Strong working knowledge of internal and external communication processes
• Working knowledge of public school environment
• Knowledge of district, state, and federal policies, guidelines, laws, and rules related to communications
• Knowledge of web technologies and content strategies
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong creative problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage the communication functions of the district
• Ability to effectively work with mass media organizations
• Ability to manage team activities
• Ability to implement continuous improvement processes
• Ability to design workflows and procedures
• Ability to compose and edit copy for publications, press releases, and other materials
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in working with various constituencies
• Ability to build media
• Ability to work with elected officials
• Ability to build consensus among many