Director of Communications and Community Relations

Greensburg Community Schools has a position open for Director of Communications and Community Relations.

Position Overview:  The Director of Communications and Community Relations will oversee and lead the organization’s public relations strategy, ensuring a positive public image and effective communication across media channels. This senior role involves shaping media outreach efforts, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and crafting impactful narratives that reflect the brand's values and mission. The Director of Communications and Community Relations will work closely with the Superintendent, the School Board of Trustees and building level principals to drive overall brand reputation while maintaining a strong relationship of trust and assurance with the entire Greensburg community. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Planning and Management:

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies that support the organization’s goals and enhance brand visibility.
• Identify and act on opportunities for proactive media coverage, partnerships, and thought leadership.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and public sentiment to inform PR strategies.
• Implement and maintain a marketing calendar showing timelines and planning for the whole school year.

1. Media Relations and Event Management:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with journalists, reporters, influencers, and media outlets.
• Manage press releases, media pitches, and responses to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate interviews, media events, and press conferences, ensuring appropriate messaging and media engagement.
• Proactively secure media coverage across a variety of platforms (print, broadcast, digital).
• Oversee the planning and execution of PR-related events.
• Ensure all events are aligned with brand strategy and enhance public perceptions of the school district.

1. Crisis Communications

• Lead the organization’s crisis communications efforts, working closely with the Superintendent to manage sensitive issues.
• Prepare messaging, statements, and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders during crisis.
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, ensuring a consistent and positive message.

1. Content Creation and Messaging:

• Write, edit, and approve press releases, speeches, op-eds, blog posts, and other PR-related content.
• Oversee district mass communication systems (emails, texts, phone calls, mobile apps, etc.)
• Maintain content and updates on school websites and work closely with technology department on creating and managing an effective communications infrastructure.
• Ensure quality control and consistency in messaging across all communications, aligning with the school’s brand and values.
• Oversee internal communications strategies to keep employees informed and aligned with external messaging.

1. Reporting and Analytics:

• Measure and analyze the effectiveness of PR campaigns using metrics like media coverage, sentiment analysis, and audience reach.
• Report on PR activities and outcomes to the Board of Trustees, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

1. Community Outreach

• Serves as a liaison with community stakeholders, organizations and community officials.
• Provide updates to community agencies and organizations.
• Work with community partners when necessary to foster a relationship between school district and community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in public relations.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns and media strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relationships.
• Expertise in crisis communications and issue management.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to achieve school district objectives.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Familiarity with analytics tools and PR measurement platforms.

Start Date to be determined, Salary negotiable.  Must apply on or before March 1, 2025.