Director I, Communications and Public Relations, Job 25-0003 DO

NEW APPLICATION REQUIREMENT: Mukilteo School District Equity Commitment

The Mukilteo School District is committed to eliminating racism, inequities for students, and institutional bias in order to ensure all of our students reach their full potential.  Prospective employees of the District will be expected to share in this focus and commitment, and therefore are required to respond to the following:

Write a one-page summary of your work and life experiences that position you to be successful in this District commitment and be prepared to upload your summary when you apply.

This is an 8 hour per day, 260 day per year Communications and Public Relations Director I position with benefits at the District Office.  Anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.

Salary listed is for the 2024 - 2025 school year.

Position is open until filled. 

JOB TITLE:   DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

JOB SUMMARY:  Provides leadership, strategic vision, and supervision of the District’s communication and marketing programs to include internal and external communications and various public relations functions.  Serves as a member of Superintendent’s Cabinet.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Position Essential Functions

• Direct the District’s communications and marketing programs to promote the School District’s mission.
• Provide public relations counsel in a proactive approach. Anticipates problems and provides solutions.
• Serve as District liaison with staff, community, parents, businesses, civic organizations, and press and media, fostering a positive relationship and ensuring accurate coverage of the District’s educational programs.
• Communicate with internal and external publics. Demonstrate cross cultural communication skills and an ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Handle all aspects of the School District’s publications such as its external and internal newsletters, and social media.
• Oversee district website content and social media channels, including districtwide guidance, training, support and archiving systems.
• Prepare and edit speech materials for District leadership. Provide guidance and assistance to administrators in all aspects of public affairs and communication. 
• Develop budget-related informational campaigns and publications.
• Conduct formal and informal research to determine public opinion and attitude as a basis for planning and action.
• Research and identify essential historical and contemporary information essential to the District’s position and communications.
• Write news releases for all local newspapers/TV/radio; seek media coverage of School District news. Serve as the School District’s liaison to the media. (duplicate)
• Write/develop a communications plan for the District, detailing outreach to internal and external publics;
• Manage crisis response communications from planning to execution and follow up including school delay and closure communication (may include work outside of school hours);
• Plan and organize special events to include District orientations, school and staff recognitions, activities, and meetings and events of the Superintendent and Board of Directors.
• Perform personnel functions (hire, evaluate, supervise, develop) for the purpose of enhancing productivity of personnel and achievement of district goals.
• Engage in continuing education studies which insure continuous professional growth.
• Complete and submit reports/other information as required.
• Fulfill legal responsibilities; Implement and comply with federal and state laws, district policies and other guiding principles, and State Code of Professional Conduct.
• Perform other duties of similar scope and function.
• Maintain consistent attendance and conform to regular work hours specified under contract.

JOB REQUIREMENTS; MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of current public relations, marketing, and journalism practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of crisis response protocols such as Incident Command Structure
• Knowledge of laws related to public schools and how they relate to job duties including but not limited to student and staff privacy, public records, social media practices, digital ADA accessibility, elections, etc.

Skills in:

• Interpersonal communication.
• Various software programs used for communication and publications.
• Decision making and group facilitation.
• Time management, prioritizing, and organization.
• Conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Respectful interpersonal relations. (duplicate)
• Collaboration and trust building.
• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating personnel.

Ability to:

• Systemically focus and align various initiatives, strategies and resources.
• Prepare clear and concise written and oral presentations in a variety of settings to various constituencies.
• Work effectively with a diverse group of people under a variety of circumstances. (duplicate)
• Adapt to changing work priorities.
• Effectively manage available fiscal and personnel resources to meet organization goals and needs.
• Make decisions and resolve complex issues in a timely manner.
• Build an environment of trust, teamwork and effective communication.
• Strengthen job-related competencies.
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbal, with diverse people, including racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Demonstrate cultural competencies, and respect and value for all cultural heritages.
• Understand and embrace concepts of institutional and structural racism and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Incorporate the perspectives of multiple communities in the consideration of impacts and decisions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Degree in Communication, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in communications-related field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Simone Neal (425-356-1319), NealSR@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Becca Anderson (425-356-1277), AndersonRA@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), MoosekerKW@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) AllenWR@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.

Salary : $173,296 - $183,382