Director of Communications

Normandy Schools Collaborative is seeking a Director of Communications reporting to the Superintendent of Schools.  This position develops and leads the district’s public relations & communications strategies and initiatives. This position is essential to effectively implementing the NSC's comprehensive communications plan. Candidates should be committed to the mission and vision of the NSC and have demonstrated leadership managing public relations and communications programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a comprehensive working knowledge of internal and external public relations and communication programs for an educational organization.
• Has a thorough understanding of the importance of two-way communication and coordinates effective communication to both internal and external audiences.
• Possess excellent creativity, strong journalistic writing skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and assists the Superintendent as liaison between the school district and news media.
• Serve as the press officer for the NSC; develops and executes media relations strategies; coordinates media interviews and district media releases.
• Serves as co-webmaster for the District website with Director of Technology, and updates as necessary with timely information.
• Writes, edits, and distributes an electronic District and staff newsletter.
• Provides day-to-day management and development of editorial content on social media platforms and district website to effectively communicate with district audiences.
• Uses social media monitoring tools to monitor conversations and report on metrics.
• Counsels the superintendent, Joint Executive Governing Board and district employees in public relations/community engagement and district communications strategies.
• Trains staff in effective communication strategies.
• Provides leadership to the district related to issues/crisis management.
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative research relating to demography, opinions of community and employees and other components associated with effective communication and satisfaction levels.
• Plans, develops, administers, supervises and evaluates the communications programs.
• Serve as crisis communicator for the District and coordinates emergency communications team when applicable; assist in applicable areas of crisis communications where need arises.
• Establishes and maintains lines of communications with community organizations.
• Develops communication/public relations efforts planned on a systematic basis to support achievement of district goals and objectives.
• Schedules and coordinates printing and publications.
• Assures good communication with news media, responsiveness by school officials and honest, open information is provided to reporters.
• Plans and coordinates special events, projects and activities.
• Develops and monitors the department budget to achieve program goals.
• Serves as public relations and community engagement representative for the district and performs as liaison with community, media, district foundation, alumni association and other agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Travel to work sites within the district.
• Takes both still photographs and video images to incorporate into communication materials.
• Writes and edits compelling and high interest communication materials to convey a positive public image.
• Conducts individual or group meetings.
• Communicates with employees, parents, suppliers, etc.
• Provides district representation to groups inside and outside the district.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or journalism (or related field) required.
• Master’s degree and/or Accredited in Public Relations certification (APR) preferred.
• Three years administrative or supervisory experience in public or private sector organizations. Experience in educational communications preferred.
• Familiarity with communications software and systems such as Microsoft Office, Google for Education, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong background and high skill level in communication social media technologies, including website management and effective use of social media is required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and use fingers, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception. Occasionally the employee will lift up to 50 lbs. such as to lift files and paper.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.