CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

TITLE:Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

JOB STATUS:Administrator, FLSA Exempt

REPORTS TO:Chief of Staff

DEPARTMENT:Department of Communications & Engagement

STARTING SALARY:$158,854

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Chief Communications and Engagement Officer is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication and engagement strategies that promote the vision, mission, and goals of Columbus City Schools. This role oversees all aspects of internal and external communications, public relations, media relations, and community and family engagement to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, community members, and local government agencies.

The Chief Communications and Engagement Officer leads a department supporting the organization with messaging creation and alignment, reputation management, social responsibility, social media and content marketing, thought leadership, customer service, and customer satisfaction. This position will prioritize building relationships across all stakeholder groups to ensure students, parents, staff, and the community have equitable access to information in a timely, accurate, and meaningful manner.

Essential Duties

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Leadership and Team Management:
• Oversees the day-to-day activities and staff of assigned departments. Duties include hiring, training, and counseling, evaluating staff performance, and when necessary, disciplining, and/or discharging staff.
• Collaborate with other district leaders to align communication and engagement efforts with the overall goals of the district.
• Prepares and administers department budget. Approves purchases and ensures expenditures are within approved budget.
• Facilitates on-going professional development of staff that aligns with the district’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Resolves problems, situations in a collaborative, tactful, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Attends Board of Education (BOE) meetings.
• Develops and measures key metrics to evaluate the success of communications, marketing, and outreach initiatives.
• Strategic Communication Leadership
• Develop and execute a district-wide communications strategy that aligns with the district’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Craft and disseminate clear, consistent, and compelling messages through various channels, including press releases, newsletters, social media, websites, and other digital platforms.
• Monitor and respond to emerging issues and trends that may impact the district, proactively managing crisis communications as needed.
• Media Relations
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the district, fostering positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Prepare statements, talking points, and Q&A documents for the Superintendent.
• Train and support district leadership and staff in effective media engagement and public speaking.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local businesses, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to support the district’s initiatives and programs.
• Oversee the planning and execution of community events, town halls, and forums to facilitate open dialogue and foster community involvement.
• Develop strategies to increase engagement and partnership opportunities with underrepresented and diverse communities within the district.
• Digital and Social Media:
• Lead the district’s digital and social media strategy to enhance visibility and engagement with key audiences.
• Oversee content creation, management, and analysis of the district’s website and social media channels.
• Monitor digital communications metrics and adjust strategies to improve reach and effectiveness.
• Crisis Management:
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively manage and communicate during emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Provide timely and accurate information to stakeholders during crises, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust.
• Directs crisis communication with duties including but are not limited to: counseling building/central office administrators regarding information to be communicated, drafting communications to be sent home, and serving as district spokesperson to the media as directed.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Ten (10) years or more experience in a senior-level communications position with a large organization; or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• Proven experience in managing communications in a complex, diverse organization, preferably in an educational or public sector setting.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, including social media, content management systems, and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high level of professionalism and discretion.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a large urban school district.
• Experience supporting diverse and economically disadvantaged populations.
• Familiarity with the political landscape of urban education and community engagement.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Broad knowledge of Ohio K-12 educational programs, services, legislative requirements, policies and current issues.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to effectively oversee the daily operations and administration of assigned functions.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work productively with BOE, Superintendent/CEO and district administrators in long range strategic and business planning and decision-making.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills including, effective presentation skills.
• Analytical ability to develop the district’s communications and marketing strategies.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex roles and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively serve as a leader and member of a team.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and work productively with all levels of district staff.
• Analytical ability to develop plans of action to address a variety of issues and concerns in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage work schedules to maximize productivity.
• General knowledge of urban educational challenges.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated analytical ability to lead the design, implementation and management of large developmental programs
• Personal demonstration of continuous learning for self-improvement.
• Excellent team building, coaching, and facilitating with interpersonal skills for all levels in an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to use information provided through evaluation feedback from supervisor to improve performance.
  
  

Physical/Mental Demands And Work Environment

Tools/Equipment: Standard Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, adjustable chair

Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing: Occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse, occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (Less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolong hours

Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position

Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability.