Director of Community Engagement

Job Title: Director of Community Engagement
Reports to: Superintendent
Location: Central Office
Salary: $60,000
Days: 245 days (FLSA Exempt)

Position Summary:

The Director of Community Engagement will serve as a strategic leader, guiding the district’s community engagement efforts to enhance its presence and brand recognition. Operating with a high level of discretion and independent judgment, this role will combine creativity, customer service, and advanced technology to cultivate stronger connections between students, families, and the community. The director will be responsible for overseeing social media, website content, and public relations, ensuring diverse and equitable student representation across all platforms. With a student-centered and service-driven approach, the director will lead initiatives to elevate the district’s engagement, creating an inclusive environment that embodies the values of Pioneer Pride.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Management of District Social Media: Manage the strategic direction of district social media platforms with a service-first approach to showcase student achievements, community events, and celebrations. Independently oversee the coordination of staff spotlights, national/state recognition days, and weekly communication flyers, ensuring alignment with district goals. Conduct regular school visits to capture photos of students and staff, with prior coordination to ensure positive interactions. Collaborate on quarterly newsletters and provide real-time updates to highlight district activities. Focus on driving engagement by enhancing existing platforms, exploring new ones, and utilizing strategic marketing and paid ads to expand the district’s reach, making decisions on content, timing, and promotional strategies.
• Oversight of Website & Communication Platforms: Independently manage the website with a focus on creating a visually engaging and user-friendly design that attracts and informs students, families, and staff. Prioritize aesthetics and accessibility, ensuring the website and other communication platforms are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and provide timely, relevant information. Maintain fresh, dynamic content across all platforms (social media, website, etc.) while making creative decisions to enhance the user experience and align with district communication objectives.
• Strategic, Student-Centered Promotions: Develop promotional campaigns with a student-centered approach to keep the community informed and engaged in district successes.
• Creative Content Development: Independently use advanced video editing, graphic design, and creative writing skills to produce high-quality, engaging content for social media, newsletters, and promotional materials. This role requires the director to make strategic decisions regarding the alignment of content with district branding, ensuring that all materials effectively communicate key messages and keep the community informed. The director will have full discretion in determining the creative direction and execution of content to maintain a consistent and impactful district presence.
• Real-Time Event Coverage with a Student Focus: Attend extracurricular events to capture photos, videos, and interviews, or, when unable to attend, coordinate with staff to ensure content is collected. Ensure that students are the focal point of district communications, fostering community pride. Work with the athletic director and building administration to ensure equitable representation of both athletics and student celebrations throughout the district, emphasizing all students and families' inclusion.
• Innovation: Assess and evaluate current design technology and communication practices, using independent judgment to identify opportunities for improvement, streamlining processes, and incorporating cutting-edge tools and strategies. Focus on increasing in-house production capabilities to reduce reliance on outside vendors, making strategic decisions that enhance the district’s efficiency and self-sufficiency in communication efforts.
• Liaison to Gentry Youth Organization: Serve as the liaison to the Gentry Youth Organization, ensuring their successes and contributions are recognized and highlighted in district communications. Foster a strong partnership to promote collaborative efforts and celebrate the achievements of youth in the community.
• Career Fair Representation: Attend career fairs at various locations throughout the state. Ensure the district's space at the fairs is both informative and attractive, effectively showcasing our programs and opportunities. The director will need to have a deep knowledge of the district to engage in meaningful discussions with prospective teachers and staff, highlighting our strengths and answering any questions.
• Local Media & Public Relations: Build relationships with local media outlets to secure positive coverage for district initiatives, student accomplishments, and community celebrations. Serve as the primary contact for media interactions, ensuring clear and service-driven communication. Be prepared to resolve conflicts regarding sensitive information and know how to balance transparency with protecting confidentiality, especially when responding to media inquiries on the fly while maintaining composure.
• Sponsorships & Community Partnerships: Build strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships that support district programs and fund the position’s expenses, while fostering lasting relationships based on trust and exceptional service. Acting as a liaison between the district and the community, the position will ensure coordinated efforts, avoid overwhelming partners with duplicate requests, and create a cohesive, sustainable sponsorship program that strengthens the connection between the district and the community.
• School Board Meetings & Public Communications: Attend school board meetings, when possible, to report exciting updates and developments within the district. Coordinate with building administration to feature a different student group at each board meeting, showcasing student achievements and activities. Ensure transparency and professionalism in all communications, reinforcing the district’s commitment to service and student success.
• Staff Training: Occasionally host training sessions for staff on tools such as Google Suite, Canva, and other content creation platforms to help teachers enhance their classroom instruction and improve parent communication. These sessions will focus on building digital literacy and empowering teachers to create engaging materials and streamline communication with families.
• Quick Response & Crisis Communication: Be available during off-hours to swiftly respond to urgent updates, occasionally working independently without direct supervision. Use sound judgment to ensure communication is clear, accurate, and timely, even in high-pressure situations. The ability to manage communications without immediate guidance is essential to meet the district's needs with professionalism and composure.
• Support for District Events: Assist building administration with various professional development needs, such as securing sponsorships for meals, awards, or guest speakers. Collaborate with the Director of Operations in scheduling and coordinating public events, ensuring smooth execution and positive experiences for all participants.
• Support for Technology: Assist the Technology Coordinator occasionally with basic technology-related tasks as needed.
• Central Office Support and Business Operations: Assist central office staff with general office support and basic office tasks as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Advanced skills in social media management, graphic design, web design, and content creation
• Proficiency in areas such as Google Suite and Canva, with a willingness to introduce other tools to admin and staff that can enhance efficiency.
• Expertise in video/photo editing, visual/audio design, and live production with a passion for student-centered content
• Basic photography skills to capture quality photos of students and athletes for use in district publications, social media, and newsletters. The ability to frame shots, adjust for lighting, and enhance images using editing software (e.g., Canva) is important.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with a focus on customer service and community support
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, community members, and businesses, always prioritizing service and satisfaction
• Experience working with media outlets and coordinating public relations efforts
• Ability to attend multiple extracurricular functions, including evenings and weekends, to capture and promote district activities
• Availability during off-hours to handle urgent communications with a calm, composed approach
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring timely, high-quality service in every task
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain a focus on student success and district needs without requiring constant supervision, ensuring consistent progress and initiative
• A positive, can-do attitude with a willingness to assist central office staff with support tasks and business affairs when needed, ensuring smooth operations and stepping in to help during absences
• Understanding of basic procurement processes and a willingness to become familiar with the school's finance system to handle basic transactions related to the role.
• Understanding of confidentiality, especially regarding students, and basic knowledge of school laws affecting confidentiality, recruitment, school choice, and communication practices

Professional Responsibilities:

• Professionally represent the schools and district in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.
• Resolve conflict in a professional manner as issues arise.
• Comply with applicable district, state, local, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Respond willingly to emergency situations outside of the standard work schedule.
• Aid and assist where needed, even when outside of their formal domain.
• Be punctual and ready to perform your duties every day.
• Be available to respond to situations and problems that may arise any time outside of the allocated and scheduled weekly time frame.

All candidates, regardless of the position they are applying for, must demonstrate the following additional essential skills to align with the mission and vision of Gentry Public Schools:

• Consistently monitor district email to stay informed and respond promptly to important communications.
• Submit requested data and information in a timely manner.
• Attend all scheduled meetings organized by supervisors and district administrators.
• Complete necessary paperwork as directed.
• Demonstrate proficiency with workplace technology and adapt as needed.
• Prioritize safety by ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked.
• Respect the established chain of command in all interactions.
• Stay informed about and understand the district's crisis management plan.
• Exemplify professional excellence in the school, community, and on social media.
• Focus on their designated responsibilities and collaborate effectively while respecting the boundaries of their role.
• Serve as a strong advocate for the school district, promoting its values and achievements both internally and in the broader community.
• Maintain a positive attitude and actively contribute to a supportive and constructive work environment, avoiding negativity.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance to maximum student instruction and enhance learning outcomes.

Work Environment:

This role is based in a school setting with a central office that oversees four campuses: a primary school, an intermediate school, a middle school, and a high school. The director will visit these campuses frequently and engage with athletics and extracurricular programs, interacting with students, staff, and families in various environments.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This role does not involve direct supervisory responsibilities but will require working closely with teachers, administration, and staff in a customer service-focused capacity.

Performance Evaluation:

The director will be evaluated by the superintendent.

Professional Development:

The director is expected to obtain up to 60 hours of professional development per year, comparable to a certified employee. The goal is to stay current in the field, bringing back valuable insights to the role and occasionally sharing knowledge with staff.

Technology:

The role involves using basic office technology, as well as proficiency in a wide range of design and creative platforms. This includes tools for social media management, video production for promotions and newsletters, and other platforms for short- and long-term communication strategies. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, the district’s website platform (Apptegy), and communication tools like Thrillshare, as well as video/photo editing software such as Canva. This is not an exhaustive list, and the director should be adaptable to using additional tools as needed to enhance district branding and communication efforts.

Compensation & Benefits:

The position offers a salary of $60,000, plus health, dental, vision, and teacher retirement benefits. The work schedule follows the school calendar, with holiday breaks in accordance with the district’s schedule. While the role offers a family-friendly schedule, it’s important to note that the position is year-round, requiring work throughout the summer. Occasional off-hours work and weekends will be required due to the nature of the role.

Physical Demands:

The Director of Community Engagement must be able to perform physical activities typical for office work and district-wide events. These include prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer, attending school events, and occasionally lifting and carrying light materials such as promotional items or event supplies. The role requires frequent walking around district campuses to engage with staff, students, and community members, as well as traveling for meetings or events. The director must be able to navigate school facilities, set up and take down event materials, and attend extracurricular activities, sometimes requiring standing or walking for extended periods. The position also requires the ability to handle high-pressure situations, manage quick-response communications, and maintain composure in various environments, all of which may involve moderate physical activity. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

Role Summary and Core Duties:

The Director of Community Engagement is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving community engagement through innovative decision-making. This position oversees district social media, website management, and public relations with a focus on student-centered communications, while maintaining discretion in content creation and media interactions. Key responsibilities include driving engagement through social media, creating promotional campaigns, managing website content, developing in-house production capabilities, and building community partnerships. The role requires independent judgment, creative expertise, and accountability to enhance the district’s brand and communication efforts.