Days Per Year: 226

Min: $114,948

Mid: $138,491

JOB TITLE: Executive Director-Communications

REPORTS TO: Chief Communications Officer

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE: AM 7

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

The Executive Director of Communications will lead the day-to-day management of all district communications – both internal and external. This position will also lead the district’s public relations efforts, supporting principals and school communications, and serving as a media liaison and a spokesperson when needed. All website, social media, and newsletter communication channels will be managed by the Executive Director of Communications.

The Executive Director of Communications must act with integrity, support organizational goals, demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow and motivate others and commit to championing the needs of the students, employees and overall District.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited College or University
• Ten years experience in organizational communications 
• Proven experience as a manager and media liaison 
• Proven experience in website, design, multimedia and content management 

 Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/ Spanish) 
• Experience in school district communications

 SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• Strong and effective communication, interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Expert skills in writing, proof reading and copy editing 
• Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations
• Strong knowledge of Houston-area media 
• Strong knowledge of K-12 educational environment 
• Expertise with website management
• Expertise with multimedia design
• Ability to work in a team environment; must be collegial and supportive of shared goals
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to deadlines
• Ability to manage a department budget
• Excellent supervisory skills leading and inspiring staff
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data 
• Ability to design and produce district publications
• Ability to use desktop publishing hardware and software

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Work closely with the superintendent, cabinet members and district leadership to respond to media inquiries in a timely manner. 
• Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives, with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, and methods.
• Develop communication plans for key initiatives and events.
• Manage the district’s channels of communication.
• Manage the production of timely district news coverage.
• Facilitate responses to stakeholders’ questions.
• Act as the district media liaison on critical issues and supervise media responses issued by the communications department.
• Facilitate staff development plans and evaluate job performance to ensure high performance from every employee.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities.
• Responsible for participating in budget development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling up to 15lbs. This position will also require both traveling within the district and state wide, occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Mental demands: Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.