Director of Communications and Media Services

Date: January 6, 2025

Position: Director of Communications and Media Services

Location: Central Services

Terms of Contract: 12 months, full-time, benefit eligible

Reports To: Chief of Human Resources and Teacher Support

Monthly Salary: State Salary Schedule: $5319.95 - $8836.37. The salary for this position is based upon the successful applicant’s years of service in The State Retirement System and will be paid according to the current State Salary Schedule

FLSA: EXEMPT

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with experience in coursework related to communications, media, English/Liberal Arts, or related fields
• Experience serving as an advocate for children and parents
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an administrator or supervisory experience
• Possess an understanding of public relations, customer service, marketing, and imagery
• Understands instructional technology and how to conduct professional learning with adults
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: social media management, graphic design, photography, video production, web page design, and/or branding. Also, the ability to learn in these areas with minimal experience to date

Job Goal:

• The DOCMS performs effective, innovative, and responsible professional work to support the overall mission and operations of Lincoln County Schools. This Director must demonstrate the ability to write effectively for a variety of target audiences. Work involves writing, editing, and designing school district publications including print and electronic newsletters, booklets, annual reports, promotional materials, and other print media materials; writing and editing press releases and articles for the school district website and social media; writing and editing scripts for videos; developing advertising and marketing materials; assisting with special events planning; assisting with photography; coordinating media and instructional technology services to the district; and other duties as assigned by the Chief of HR, Chief Academic Officer, and/or Superintendent.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instructional:

• Serve as a conduit between instructional staff and technology staff and provide supervision and support for media coordinators.
• Maximize a continuum of instructional and media support in grades K-12 and across all curriculum areas
• Organize and supervise the implementation of the district’s Technology Plan.
• Consult with building administrators and teachers to plan, implement, and integrate technology resources and tools inside the classroom
• Ensure the implementation and integration of Digital Learning Competencies across the curriculum
• Work with other staff to seek sources of funding for technology programs and initiatives
• Coordinate the annual Digital Learning and Media Inventory (DLMI) for schools and the district
• Ensure policy and procedures are established and followed at the school/district level for any contested media material used within the district
• Staff Support:

• Assist HR Dept with staffing needs, marketing, and supporting of staff per the Chief of HR
• Create and manage digital media as well as internal and external communication platforms
• Plan and coordinate district media programs and competitions (Battle of the Books, Spelling Bee, of the Year, etc.)
• Creates graphic design and layout of school district publications, marketing materials, presentations, and other promotional materials.
• Special events planning and photography
• Create and disseminate the Monthly staff communicator
• Support Webmasters in content churn for websites and school story telling
• Conduct Professional Development as needed with target group
• Leadership:

• Serve on the District Leadership Team as a contributing member
• Serve as an integral role with our District’s Crisis/Emergency Communication team
• Compiles, writes, and edits information for newsletters, annual reports, booklets, brochures, and other printed materials and for electronic media.
• Writes and edits scripts for videos, meetings, public events, public announcements, etc.
• Attend all regular meetings of the Board of Education and prepare post meeting highlights to the community.
• Responsible for central purchasing and coordinating of printing and purchasing of materials and supplies provided by the district to schools.
• Serve on the Lincoln Co Chamber of Commerce Board and other boards as needed/requested by the Superintendent
• Supports school administration with parent concerns as needed per the Superintendent
• Serve as the Public Information Officer for Lincoln County Schools
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Chief of Human Resources, Chief Academic Officer, District Leadership Team members, and/or Superintendent as related to this role

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement research and literature
• Considerable knowledge of School Board policies, procedures, and standards regarding education
• Considerable knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to flex hours including some nights and weekends
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and statistics and to develop meaningful reports from them.
• Ability to interpret educational policies and procedures
• Ability to serve as the school district’s ‘reporter’ and gather information from schools, central level departments, etc. with minimal supervision
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines
• Understands the importance of public relations and providing excellent customer service
• Demonstrates excellent communication, writing, editing, proofreading skills, and creative ability.
• Possesses conflict resolution skills
• Possesses excellent interpersonal and social skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Maintains a pleasant attitude and commitment to teamwork
• Familiar with K12 public school education
• Familiar with instructional technology resources, tools, and be ‘future looking’
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting in excess of 100 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects
• Other duties as assigned

Application Deadline: Position Open Until Filled

Position Available: To Be Determined

Application Process: All candidates are required to complete an on-line application via Applicant Tracking. Please go the Lincoln County Schools website (www.lincoln.k12.nc.us), select EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, and APPLICANT TRACKING to begin the process. Questions should be addressed to the contact person below.

Diana Carpenter

Chief of Human Resources and Teacher Support

dcarpenter@lincoln.k12.nc.us

Lincoln County Schools

PO Box 400

Lincolnton, NC 28093

Phone: 704-732-2261

Fax: 704-736-4216

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EMPLOYER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON BASIS OF AGE,

HANDICAP, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RACE, RELIGION, OR SEX